Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots are designed to stop children from falling out of their beds, or suffocating when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any protrusions or sharp edges.

The majority of cots have four solid sides, which means you can rest assured that your child is secure throughout the day. They are usually of an unchanging size, and can be converted to a toddler bed as your child grows up.

Standard Cots

Standard cots are great for smaller nurseries and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds, allowing them to keep an eye on their baby whilst they rest. They are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that prevent infants from climbing over the sides. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a safety hazard and therefore they need to be removed to stop your child from falling out of the bed or injuring themselves.

Cots are typically circular in shape to reduce space and are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and safe space for your baby to sleep in. They are easy to transport and typically have wheels or castors so you can move them around.

Certain cots are equipped with additional features like drawers with teething rails or teething rails but most are basic. Natural materials are the best cots since they are durable and more resistant to wear. They should be free of any toys or pillows since they can create a risk of suffocation for young children.

A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot which has removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be transformed into a toddler bed when your baby outgrows it. This feature is especially useful when you plan to have more than one child since it eliminates the need to switch between different kinds of furniture and helps save money by purchasing separate beds. Most cot beds are suitable from the moment your baby is born until the time he is about two years old, depending on their size and weight.

Drop-side Cots

A cot that has a drop side is ideal for those suffering from back pain as it means you do not have to bend over the side as much. Back back pain is a common occurrence for pregnant women and new mothers, especially those who have suffered back injuries in the past.

This type of cot allows you to reach your baby 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 at least 4 cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from escaping.

If you're unsure which cot is best rated cribs for your needs We suggest contact us at Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you choose a stylish and safe cot that will grow along with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.

Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being easy to construct. Mum tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to build - very clear instructions and pictures". It includes a teething rail and a drawer for storage and three different mattress height positions.

The cot's durability and solid structure makes it an excellent option for babies that do not sleep through the night. But you should check whether the cot is constructed from a safe material like solid wood and that the slats are fixed properly and not too loose.

Verify that the cot has been certified to meet British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models and this led to the USA banning some unsafe designs. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking side for the drop in the upward position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able pull the side down to climb out.

Corner Cots

Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets artistically draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, all fabrics placed in the vicinity of the Baby beds should be tucked in tightly to reduce the danger of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging above the cot, since they can be strangulating and children could get their heads on them if they slumber during their sleep.

A budget buy that's surprisingly sturdy, this minimalistic best crib for newborn bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a good choice for parents who have ceilings that slope as it has castors that lock to prevent the cot from falling.

This cot bed made of wooden in vintage style is another cot that can be easily converted. It can be used by children as young as to age 4. Its unique oval shape means that it will not get stuck in corners, and it can easily fit into doors with standard frames. The cot can be turned into a chic bench-style bed for an older child by taking the bars off.

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

Cots with Drawers

Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby cots on sale's clothes or bedding, or need a design that can grow with them, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds, so that you can easily switch when your child has outgrown them. Others have built-in drawers to store things, and some even include a changing station!

A cot with drawers is great for keeping all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets. It helps in tidying up since you can store everything in the same location. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips along the sides, which are great for teething babies!

If you're looking to save money but still need a chic and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. Its slimline and minimalist design will work in the majority of rooms. It can be used in conjunction with an ordinary cot bed and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base to increase along with your child. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to be used with it.

Although it can be tricky to build (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear), once it's constructed it's lightweight and strong. It also comes with a benefit: a tilting feature that can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a variety of colors, meaning you can pair it with other nursery furnishings for a cohesive appearance.

Cots with Storage

A cot with storage is perfect for those who want to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of sight but easily accessible. These cots have drawers to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins.

Based on the design of your cot you might be able to turn it into an infant bed or a day bed when your child is ready for a change, and some can even be converted into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This is a an excellent value for money and will ensure that your cot will remain an integral part of your family for a long time to come, but be sure to verify the dimensions to make sure it's a good fit for the nursery before purchasing.

If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth to two years and will grow with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot has an easy design, but it has numerous features, including an under-bed drawer for storage and a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. It's also simple to assemble with alphabetically labelled components and excellent instructions.

The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to better sleep it's a cot, bassinet, and moses basket in one. It is set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and includes expert advice from experts from around the world. It's an investment, however it could be beyond the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.