Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

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

The majority of cots have four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's safety throughout the day. They are usually of the fixed size and could be converted to a toddler bed as your child grows.

Standard Cots

Standard cots can be placed on top of the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their child as they sleep. The cots are designed with fixed sides to stop babies from climbing over them. Once your baby is capable of standing and crawling on the sides, they pose a safety risk and should be removed.

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

A lot of cots are basic and simple. Some come with extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. The best cots are made of natural materials as these are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of stuffed toys or pillows since they can create the risk of suffocation to children who are still young.

A cot bed is a larger version of the cot that has removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be converted into a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. This feature is particularly useful if you are expecting to have more than one child because it eliminates the need to switch between various kinds of furniture and helps save money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth until your infant is around two years old, based on their weight and size.

Drop-side Cots

If you suffer from back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the best option. You won't have to bend as much over the side. Back pain is a common problem for pregnant women and newly mothers, particularly those who have suffered 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. However, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the cot is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child isn't able to get out.

If you're unsure the best cot for your child's needs We suggest getting in touch with us at Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can help you select an attractive and safe cot that can develop with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.

Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for being simple to put together. Mum tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct - very clear instructions and pictures". It includes a teething rail as well as a drawer to store things in and three different mattress height positions.

The cot is an excellent option for babies who are able to sleep all night. But you should check whether the cot is constructed of a safe material, such as solid wood, and that the slats are secured in a proper manner and not too loose.

Another thing to check for is whether the cot has been certified as meeting British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this has led to dangerous designs being prohibited in the USA. Choose a cot that auto locks the drop side when in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your child from being able to pull the side down and get out.

Corner Cots

While photos of styled nursery pictures might show blankets that are artistically wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed near the baby should be pulled in tightly to avoid the danger of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot since they can strangle infants or cause them to fall on their heads when they roll around in their sleep.

This minimalist cot-bed is a budget buy, but it's surprisingly robust. It's suitable for babies up to toddlers. It has a wide range of mattress base positions and can be easily transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a good option for parents with sloped ceilings since it has castors that can be locked to stop the cot from falling.

This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that can be easily converted. It can be used by children from birth to age 4. It has an unusual oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and will easily pass through standard door frames. The cot can also be converted into a chic bench-style bed for a child who is older by lifting the bars.

This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that can be an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in off-white and stylish green. It's a great choice for parents who value longevity, since it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides, and then into a twin bed for a child who is older by removing the front rails. It's also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment, teething rails, and a handy hanger for blankets or muslins.

Cots with Drawers

Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or you need a design that can adapt to their needs, 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. Other cots come with built-in drawers for storage, and some come with a changing station included!

A crib with drawers is ideal to store all your little one's favourite toys, muslin cloths or blankets, and it can also make tidying up easier since you can store everything in one place. 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 stylish, practical cot. It's slimline and simple design can be incorporated in most rooms. It can be used with an ordinary cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base, allowing it to grow along with your child. It can be converted into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a variety of matching furniture with it.

It's not easy to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions were unclear) however, once built it's light and durable. It also comes with an added bonus: a tilting feature which can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a variety of colors, meaning you can coordinate it with other furniture in the nursery to create a coordinated look.

Cots with Storage

If you wish to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of sight, but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage will be ideal. These cots have an area to store the essentials. Some come with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.

You may be able convert your cot into a daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to become a junior bed after your child reaches five. This provides you with an excellent value for money and will ensure that your cot will remain an integral part of your family for years to come, but be certain to look at the dimensions to ensure it's a good fit for the nursery before purchasing.

Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a fashionable cot that is suitable for infants from 2 to 2 years old. It also grows with your child. The classic cot is minimalist in appearance but comes with plenty of features like an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.

For a more advanced sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed up by expert advice from international sleep consultants. It's a significant investment, however it may be beyond the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.