Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots prevent children from falling out of bed or becoming suffocated when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.

Most cots have four secured sides, so you can be certain that your child is secure throughout the day. They usually come in an unchanging size, and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows up.

Standard Cots

Standard cots can be easily installed alongside the parents' bed, allowing them to view their child while they lay down. These cots are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over the sides. Once your baby is capable of standing and crawling, these sides are dangerous and should be removed.

Cots are shaped in a circular manner which can help in reducing space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually mounted on wheels or on castors to enable you to move them around easily.

Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some have additional features, like teething rails or storage drawers. The most durable cots are constructed 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, since they can suffocate young 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 child grows out of it. This feature is particularly beneficial if you are expecting to have more than one child since it removes the need to switch between different kinds of furniture and helps save money on buying separate beds. Most cribs can be used from the moment your baby is born until the time he 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 because it means you aren't bending over the side as much. Back pain is a common problem for women who are pregnant and new mothers, particularly when they've had back injuries in the past.

This kind of cot lets you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without lifting them or worry 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 stop your child from escaping.

If you're unsure the best cot for your needs, we recommend contact Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can help you choose an attractive, safe cot that will grow along with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.

Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for its ease to put together. Gina mother tester said it was "a breeze to assemble - extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It includes teething rails and a drawer for storage and three different positions for the mattress's height.

The cot's strength and solid build makes it a good choice for babies who can sleep all night. But make sure that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats are secured correctly and not loosened.

Check to see if the cot is certified to be in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models, and this led to dangerous designs being banned in the USA. Find a cot that auto locks the drop side when in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which will prevent your baby from pulling the side down and get out.

Corner Cots

Although photos of a styled nursery might show blankets that are artistically draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed near the baby should be tucked in tightly to avoid the danger of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be hung above the cot as they can be strangulating and infants could catch their heads on them when they roll over in their sleep.

This minimalist cot-bed is a bargain but it's actually quite robust. It's suitable for babies all the way to toddlers. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It is also a great option for Cots4Tots.Co.Uk parents with sloped ceilings, as it is equipped with lockable castors to ensure that the cot isn't falling down.

This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that is easily converted. It can be used by children from birth up to age 4. Its unique oval shape means that it will not be snagged in corners, and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. The cot can be turned into a stylish bench-style bed for older children by simply removing the bars.

A quality piece that's a great investment This curved cot is available in either off-white or stylish green and will be the focal point of any nursery. It's a top option for parents who appreciate longevity, as it can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and into a twin bed for a child who is older by removing the front rails. It's also incredibly sturdy and comes with a storage drawer, teething rails and an easy hanging rail to hang muslins or blankets.

Cots with Drawers

There are numerous options on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that could grow with them. Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds so that you can easily change them when your child has outgrown them. Some come with built-in drawers that can be used for storage and some even have a changing station!

It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins, or other items that your child will love. It can also make it easier to clean up since everything is all in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips along the sides, which are great for teething infants!

If you're on a budget but still need a chic and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It has a minimalist and sleek design that will be a good fit in any room. It takes an ordinary mattress for a cot and comes with three heights that can be adjusted to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be converted into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels and there's a variety of furniture that can be used with it.

Although it's not easy to construct (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear) after it's put together, it's light and durable. It also comes with an added bonus: a tilting feature that can aid in treating colic or reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with other nursery furniture if you're going for a coordinated look.

Cots with Storage

If you'd like to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of sight however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage will be ideal. They come with an area to store the essentials. Some also come with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.

You may be able transform your cot into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to be converted into a junior bed once your child turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a part of the family for many years. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it will fit in your nursery.

If you're looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth to 2 years and will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot has an easy design, but it offers many features like an under-bed drawer to store items as well as a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. It's also simple to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.

The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution for a better sleep is a cot bassinet, and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from international consultants. It's a significant investment, however it could be beyond the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.