Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

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

Most cots have 4 solid sides, which means you can be certain that your baby is safe at all times. They are usually of an unchanging size, and can be converted to a toddler bed as your child gets older.

Standard Cots

Standard cots can be easily installed alongside the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their child as they sleep. They have sides that are fixed to stop babies from climbing over them. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous and therefore they need to be removed to stop your child from falling out of the bed or injuring themselves.

Cots are usually circular in shape to reduce space and baby cot are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and offer a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They can be easily moved between spaces and are often on wheels or castors that enable you to move them easily.

Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails or drawers but many are simple and basic. Natural materials are the best because they are durable and resistant to wear. They should be kept free of stuffed toys or pillows as they could pose the risk of suffocation to children who are still young.

A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot which features removable sides as well as an end panel, meaning it can be converted into a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. This feature is particularly useful if you expect to have more than one baby since it makes it easier to switch between different types of beds and saves money by not buying separate beds. Most cot beds are suitable from the moment your baby is born until the time he is two years old, based 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 that you aren't bending over the side as much. Back back pain is a common occurrence for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past.

This kind of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without lifting them or worry about your back. It is important to ensure that there is at least 4cm between the base of the mattress and the mattress to prevent your child from climbing out.

If you're unsure the best cot 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 can develop with your child and will meet all required safety standards.

John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It received high marks for its easy assembly. Gina mom test-sitting said it was "a simple assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It includes teething rail, a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.

The cot's sturdiness and sturdy build makes it a good choice for babies who can sleep all night. But make sure that the cot is made from a safe material like solid wood and that the slats are secured in a proper manner and not too loose.

Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models which led to the USA banning some dangerous designs. Find a cot with an auto-locking drop side in the upward position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able to pull the side down to climb out.

Corner Cots

While styled nursery photos may show blankets artistically wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, all fabrics that are placed near the baby should be tucked in tightly to reduce the danger of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the crib sets as they could strangle babies or cause them to crash their heads when they sway around in their sleep.

This minimalistic cot-bed is a budget buy however, it's extremely robust. It's suitable for infants to toddlers. It can be converted to a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a good option for parents who have ceilings that slope since it has castors that can be locked to stop the cot from falling down.

Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage-style wooden mini cot beds bed is used from birth until four years old. Its unique oval shape ensures that it will not be snagged in corners and can easily fit into the standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a stylish bench-style bed for older children by lifting the bars.

This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that will create an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery cots. It comes in stylish green and off-white. It's a great choice for parents who are looking for a long-lasting product. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides, and then into a twin bed for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly durable and comes with a storage drawer, teething rails and a handy hanging rail for muslins or blankets.

Cots with Drawers

If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothes 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 turned into toddler beds so that you can easily switch when your child outgrows them. Some have built-in drawers for storage and some even include a changing station!

It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins, or other items that your child loves. It is also easier to tidy up since everything is all in one place. The cots also come with 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's a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll fit well in most rooms. It takes an ordinary crib mattress and has three heights that can be adjusted to grow with your baby. It can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out one of the side panels and there's a variety of furniture that can be used with it.

It's not easy to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions were unclear) however, once built, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It has an additional feature: a tilting feature which can aid with reflux and colic. Plus, it's available in a variety of colours too so you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery cots to create a cohesive look.

Cots with Storage

A cot with storage is perfect 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 come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or baby cot muslins.

You may be able transform your cot into 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 option to save money and make your cot a member of the family for a long time. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.

If you're looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth to two years old and that will grow with your child, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot is minimalist in appearance but comes with plenty of features, including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also simple to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.

For a more advanced sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionise the way that babies sleep and is backed up with expert advice from international sleep consultants. It's an investment, though it may be out of budget for many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.