Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots protect babies from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.

The majority of cots have four secured sides, so you can be sure your baby is safe throughout the day. Many cots come in a fixed-size and can be made into a toddler bed as your child gets older.

Standard Cots

Standard cots are perfect for small nursery settings and can be easily installed alongside the beds of parents which allows parents to watch their baby whilst they rest. They are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that stop children from climbing over the sides. However, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, these sides become a danger to safety and should be removed to stop your child from falling out of bed or injuring themselves.

Cots are typically circular in shape to reduce space and are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and offer a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are easily portable and typically have castors or wheels so you can move them around.

Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some have additional features like teething rails or storage drawers. Natural materials are the best because they are durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, since they could cause suffocation for children.

A cot bed is a larger version of a cot sales that includes removable sides and an end panel, meaning it can be turned into a toddler bed once your baby outgrows it. This feature is particularly beneficial if you expect to have more than one child because it means you don't have to switch between different types of beds and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. Most cot beds are suitable from birth until your infant is about two years old, depending on their weight and size.

Drop-side Cots

If you suffer from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best alternative. You won't need to bend as much over the side. Back pain is a common issue for women who are pregnant and new mothers, particularly if they have had back injuries in the past.

This kind of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without lifting them or be concerned about your back. But, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child can't get out.

If you are unsure about the best cot for your child's needs We suggest getting in touch with Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you choose a safe, stylish cot that can grow with your child, meeting all mandatory safety standards.

John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It scored high marks for its ease of assembly. Mom tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct - very clear instructions with pictures". It also comes with a useful teething rails and drawers, and three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.

The cot's sturdiness and sturdy construction makes it a great crib option for babies that can sleep all night. But you should check that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats have been fixed correctly and not loosened.

Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been inspected to meet British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots to tots were not tested in the same manner as UK models and this has led to dangerous designs being outlawed in the USA. Look for a model that locks automatically the drop side when in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your baby from being able to pull the side down and climb out.

Corner Cots

Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant deaths, all fabrics that are placed near the baby must be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the crib as they could strangle babies or cause them to hit their heads when they roll around in their sleep.

This minimalistic cot-bed is a budget buy, but it's surprisingly robust. It's suitable for babies all the way to toddlers. It can be made into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It's also a good choice for parents with ceilings that slope since it has castors that can be locked to stop the cot from slipping down.

Another cot that's simple to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from birth until 4 years old. Its unique oval shape means that it will not be snagged in corners and can easily fit into the standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can convert the cot into a chic bed for older children.

A quality piece that's a good investment, this curved cot bed is available in either off-white or fashionable green and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It's a great choice for parents who are seeking a durable item. It can be turned into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides or into a twin bed for a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment as well as teething rails and an excellent hanger for blankets and muslins.

Cots with Drawers

If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or are looking for a design that will adapt to their needs There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the change over simple when your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Other cots include drawers built in for storage and others even come with a changing station included!

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

If you're looking to save money but still require a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It's slimline and simple design can be incorporated in the majority of rooms. It can be used with a standard cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base to grow with your child. It can be transformed into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a range of matching furniture with it.

It's not easy to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed it is light and durable. It also comes with an added bonus: a tilting feature that can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a range of colours, so you can coordinate it with other nursery furnishings to create a coordinated appearance.

Cots with Storage

A cot that has storage is ideal when you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of view but still within reach. These cots usually feature an easy-to-access drawer where you can keep a variety of items and some even have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets and teething rails to shield the cot sides from your child's tooth-gnashing urges.

Depending on the style of your cot you might be able to convert it into a toddler bed or day bed when your child is ready for a change and some be converted into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a part of the family for a long time. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it will fit in your nursery.

If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth to two years old and will develop with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot has a simple design, but it comes with many features such as an under-bed drawer to store items, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.

For a more advanced sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionize how babies sleep, and comes with expert advice from international consultants. The investment is high and might not be within the budget of some families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.