Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots are designed to prevent babies from climbing out of the bed or dying if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.

The majority of cots have four secure sides to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. Many cots come in fixed-size and can be made into a toddler bed if your child gets older.

Standard Cots

Standard cots are ideal for smaller nurseries and can be installed alongside the beds of parents which allows parents to watch their baby whilst they rest. They have sides that are fixed to prevent infants from climbing over them. But once infants can crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous and therefore they need to be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of their bed or causing injury to themselves.

Cots have a circular shape, which helps in reducing space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They can be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors to enable you to move them with ease.

Some cots come with extra features, like drawers or teething rails, but most are basic. The most durable cots are constructed from natural materials since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of toys and pillows since they can create danger of suffocation for young children.

A cot bed is a larger version of the cot which includes removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be transformed into a toddler bed once your baby outgrows it. This feature is particularly useful if you expect to have more than one child because it means you don't have to switch between different types of beds and saves money by not buying separate beds. The majority of cot beds are suitable from birth until your child is about two years old, depending on their weight and size.

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. This is crucial as back problems are one of the most frequent problems for pregnant women and new parents, especially those who have suffered 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. But, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child can't climb out.

If you're unsure which cot is right for your child's needs, we recommend contact us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can talk through your options. We can help you choose an attractive, safe sale cot that will evolve with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.

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

The cot is an excellent option for babies who sleep all night. However, you must ensure whether the cot is constructed 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 certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models, and this has led to dangerous designs being banned in the USA. Choose a cot that automatically locks the drop side when in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which will prevent your cheap baby cots from pulling the side down and climb out.

Corner Cots

Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets adorably draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby should be tucked in tightly to reduce the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be hung above the cot as they could be strangulation hazards and children could get their heads against them when they roll over in their sleep.

This minimalistic cot-bed is a low-cost option but it's actually quite sturdy. It's suitable for infants up to toddlers. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by removing the side panel. It is also a great choice for parents with ceilings that slope, since it is equipped with lockable castors to ensure that the cot isn't falling down.

Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed can be used from birth until the child is four years old. Its unique oval shape ensures that it will not get stuck in corners and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. By removing the bars, you can convert the cot into a chic bed for older children.

A top-quality piece that's a great investment This curved cot is available in off-white or fashionable green and will be the focal point of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents who are seeking a durable item. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides, and into a twin for a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly sturdy and includes a storage drawer as well as teething rails, as well as an easy hanging rail to hang muslins or blankets.

Cots with Drawers

Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or need a design that can evolve with your child There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the transition over simple when your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Some include drawers built in to store things in and some include a changing station included!

A best crib with drawers is ideal for keeping all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths or blankets, and it can also make tidying up easier as you can keep everything in one location. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips along the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!

The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a tight budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. Its slim and minimalist design will work in the majority of rooms. It is compatible with a standard cot mattress and has three adjustable heights for the base to accommodate the growing baby. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing the side panel. There are furniture pieces that go along with it.

It's not an easy thing to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions were unclear) However, once it's constructed it is light and long-lasting. It also comes with an added bonus: a tilting feature that can aid in treating colic or reflux. Plus, it's available in a variety of colors so you can match it to other furniture in the nursery in the event that you want a coordinated style.

Cots with Storage

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

You might be able to transform your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can be converted into a junior bed once your child reaches 5. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a family member for a long time. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.

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

The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a high-tech solution to better sleep is a cot bassinet, and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from international sleep experts. The cost is expensive and may not be within the budget of some families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.