Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots are designed to stop children from getting out of bed or dying in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.

Most cots come with four secure sides to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. They usually come in the fixed size and could be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows up.

Standard Cots

Standard cots are great for smaller nurseries and can be installed alongside the beds of parents, allowing them to watch their child as they rest. These cheap cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing on the sides. Once your baby is able to stand and crawl over the sides, they pose a safety risk and should be removed.

Cots are typically circular in shape to save space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and offer a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are easy to move between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors to enable you to move them around easily.

A lot of cots and tots are simple and basic. Some have extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. The best cots, go to the website, are made from natural materials since they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, since they can suffocate young children.

A cot bed is a more spacious version of the cot which includes removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be turned into a toddler bed after your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly useful if you expect to have more than one baby, as it eliminates having to switch between different types and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds are suitable from birth until your child is two years old, based on their size and weight.

Drop-side Cots

A cot with a drop-side is ideal if you suffer from back pain since it means you don't have to bend over the side as much. Back pain is a common issue for pregnant women and new mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past.

This type of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day, without having to lift them or be concerned about your back. It is important to make sure that there is a minimum of 4cm between the base of the mattress and the mattress to avoid your child from escaping.

If you are unsure about the best cot for your needs We suggest getting in touch with us at Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can assist you in finding an elegant, safe cot that grows with your child, meeting all safety standards required by law.

Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for being easy to put together. Mum tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions with pictures". It comes with teething rail and a drawer for storage and 3 different positions for the mattress's height.

The cot is a good option for babies who are able to sleep all night. But make sure that the cot is made from a sanitized material such as solid wood and that the slats are secured in a proper manner and not too loose.

Check to see if the cot is certified to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models which resulted in the USA banning certain unsafe designs. Choose a cot that locks automatically the drop side when it is in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which will prevent your baby from pulling the side down and climb out.

Corner Cots

While photos of styled nursery pictures may show blankets adorably wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby should be pulled in tightly to reduce the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be left hanging over the cot, since they can be strangulating and children could get their heads on them when they slumber during their sleep.

A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this minimalist crib bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It offers a variety of mattress base positions and can easily be converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It's also a good option for parents with ceilings that slope since it has castors that can be locked to stop the cot from falling.

Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed can be used from birth until four years old. It has a unique oval shape which means it won't be stuck in corners and can easily pass through standard door frames. By removing the bars, it is possible to transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.

A high-quality piece that's an excellent investment This curved cot is available in off-white or stylish green and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents looking for a durable product. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing its sides, and then into a twin bed for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely sturdy and comes with an storage drawer and teething rails as well as an easy hanging rail to hang muslins or blankets.

Cots with Drawers

There are numerous options on the market, whether you want extra storage space for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that could grow with them. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the change over simple when your child is no longer in the habit of using it, while others have built in drawers to store things in and some have a changing area included!

A crib sets with drawers is ideal to store all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths or blankets, and it helps in tidying up as you can keep everything in one space. The cots also come with anti-bite strips on their sides - perfect for babies who are teething!

The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget and still want a stylish, practical cot. It's a minimalist and sleek design that will fit well in most rooms. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot bed and comes with three heights adjustable for the base to grow as your child grows. It can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out one of the side panels, and there's a variety of matching furniture with it.

It's not an easy thing to put together (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren't clear) however, once built, it is lightweight and durable. It also comes with a benefit: a tilting feature that can help with colic or reflux. It's also available in a range of colors, meaning you can match it with other nursery furnishings to create a coordinated look.

Cots with Storage

If you wish to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from sight however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage will be ideal. The majority of cots have an easy-to-access drawer where you can store lots of essentials and some come with hanging rails for muslin clothes or blankets and teething rails to shield the sides of the cot from your little one's chewing urges.

Based on the style of your cot you might be able to transform it into an infant bed or a day bed when your child is ready for a change or be converted into a junior bed when your child is five. This is a the best value for money and guarantees that your cot will be part of the family for years to come, but be sure to check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate for the nursery before purchasing.

Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a chic cot which can be used for babies up to two years old. It can also grow with your child. This classic cot has an unassuming design, however it has many features like an under-bed drawer for storage, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to put together, 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 designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep tots and cots includes expert advice from experts from around the world. The investment is high and may not fit into the budget of some families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.