Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots protect children from falling out of bed or becoming suffocated when they fall between the mattress and cot. They shouldn't have sharp edges or protrusions.

Most cots come with four secure sides to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. They are usually of a fixed size and may be converted to a toddler bed when your child gets older.

Standard Cots

Standard cots can be easily placed on top of the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their child as they lay down. These cots have fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing over them. But once infants can crawl and stand up, the sides become a danger to safety and therefore they need to be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of their bed or causing injury to themselves.

Cots are generally circular in shape to help reduce space and are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and safe space for your baby to sleep in. They are easily portable and typically come with castors or wheels so you can move them around.

Certain cots are equipped with additional features such as teething rails or drawers but most are basic. The best cots are made of natural materials because they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, as they could cause suffocation for children.

A cot-bed is a larger version than a cot, with a removable side and end panels. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers when your baby grows out of it. This feature is especially useful when you are planning to have more than one child since it makes it easier to switch between different types of beds and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. Most cribs can be used right from the moment your baby is born until the time he is around two years old, based on their size and weight.

Drop-side Cots

If you have back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the ideal alternative. You won't need to bend over the side. This is important since back pain is among the most frequent problems for pregnant women and new parents particularly those who have had back injuries previously.

This type of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day, without lifting them or worry about your back. However, you need to ensure that the gap between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm so that your child can't climb out.

If you are unsure about which cot is right for your needs, we recommend getting in touch with us at Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can assist you in choosing an attractive and safe cot that can grow along with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.

Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being simple to construct. The mother tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct - very clear instructions with pictures". It includes teething rail and a drawer for storage and 3 different positions for the mattress's height.

The cot's sturdiness and sturdy build makes it a good option for babies who do not sleep through the night. Make sure that the slats of the cot's frame are securely fixed and not too loose.

Verify that the cot has been certified to meet British safety regulations. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models, and this has led to unsafe designs being banned in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able lower the side to climb out.

Corner Cots

While styled nursery photos might show blankets that are artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby must be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the danger of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be left hanging above the cot as they could be strangulation hazards and babies can catch their heads on them when they roll over in their sleep.

A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this minimalist crib sets bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It offers a variety of mattress positions and can easily be transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It is an ideal choice for parents who have high ceilings that slope. It has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.

Another cot that's simple to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from the time of birth until four years old. Its unique oval shape ensures that it doesn't get stuck in corners, and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. By removing the bars you can transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.

A high-quality piece that's a great crib investment This curved cot bed is available in either off-white or stylish green, and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's a great option for parents who value durability, since it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides, and then into a twin bed for an older child by taking out the front rails. It's also incredibly sturdy and includes storage drawers, teething rails and a handy hanging rail for muslins or blankets.

Cots with Drawers

If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or need a design that can evolve with your child, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the switch over simple when your child is no longer in the habit of using it, while others include drawers built in for storage and others even have a changing area included!

It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins, and other things that your child loves. It also makes it easier to tidy it up, as everything is all in one spot. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite strips of plastic on the sides, which are great for teething babies!

The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a tight budget and still want a chic, practical cot beds. It's minimalist and sleek design that will work well in all rooms. It can be used in conjunction with an ordinary cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base to grow as your child grows. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that accompany it.

It can be difficult to put together (one of our test subjects said that the instructions were unclear) however, once built it's light and durable. It has an additional feature: a tilting feature which can help with colic and reflux. It's also available in a range of colors, meaning you can coordinate it with other nursery furnishings for a cohesive appearance.

Cots with Storage

If you'd like to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view however, they are still within reach, a cot that has storage is ideal. They come with drawers to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.

Depending on the style of your cot, you may be able to transform it into an infant bed or a day bed when your child is ready for an upgrade and some be converted into a junior bed after your child is five. This gives you the best value for money and ensures that your cot will remain a part of the family for years to come, but be certain to look at the dimensions to ensure it's a good fit for your nursery prior to purchasing.

If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and will develop with your child, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. The classic cot is simple in design but offers plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.

For a more high-tech sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It is set to revolutionise how babies sleep, and includes expert advice from international experts. It's an investment, however, and may be priced out of the budget of many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.