Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

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

Most cots have four secured sides, so you can rest assured that your child is secure throughout the day. Many cots come in fixed-size and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows.

Standard Cots

Standard cots can be installed beside the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their baby while they sleep. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over them. But, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a danger to safety and therefore they need to be removed to prevent your child from falling out of bed or injuring themselves.

Cots have a circular shape, which helps save space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and offer a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are easily portable and usually have castors or wheels so that you can move them around.

Some cots have extra features, like teething rails or drawers but most are basic. The best cots are made of natural materials as these are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, since they can cause children to drown.

A cot bed is a more spacious version of the cot which has removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be turned into a toddler bed after your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly useful when you are planning to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to change between different types and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from the moment your baby is born until the time he is about two years old, depending on their weight and size.

Drop-side Cots

If you have back discomfort, a cot that has a drop-side is the best option. You won't have to bend as much over the side. This is important as back pain is among the most common problems amongst new mothers and pregnant women particularly those who have suffered back injuries in the past.

This type of cot means that your baby will be reached more easily throughout the day without you having to worry about your back or lifting them. But, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the cot is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child can't climb out.

If you're not sure the best cot for your needs We suggest getting in touch with Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can help you select a stylish and safe cot that will grow along with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.

John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It scored high marks for its ease of assembly. Mum tester Gina said it was "a dream to build - very clear instructions and pictures". It comes with a teething rail and a drawer for storage and 3 different positions for the mattress's height.

The cot's durability and solid construction makes it a great choice for babies who sleep through the night. You should make sure that the slats on the cot's frame are properly fixed and not too loose.

Check to see if the cot is certified to meet British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models and this led to the USA ban on certain dangerous designs. Look for a model that automatically locks the drop side when it is in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your baby from being able to pull the side down and get out.

Corner Cots

Red Nose, an organization that works to end sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any fabric placed near babies should be tucked tightly to reduce the possibility of the baby suffocating. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be left hanging over the cot, as they pose a strangulation risk tots and cots babies can catch their heads on them when they roll over in their sleep.

A budget-friendly purchase that's sturdy, this minimalistic cot bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a great option for parents with ceilings that slope as it has lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling.

Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from the time of birth until 4 years old. Its unique oval shape ensures that it won't get caught in corners, and it can easily fit into doors with standard frames. By removing the bars you can convert the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.

A top-quality piece that's a good investment, this curved cot bed is available in off-white or stylish green, and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents seeking a durable item. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing its sides and then into a twin bed for older children when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment with teething rails as well as an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.

Cots with Drawers

Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or need a design that can grow with them, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the switch over simple when your little one outgrows it. Other cots have built in drawers for storage and others even have a changing area included!

It's handy to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins or other things that your child loves. It is also easier to tidy up, as everything is all in one spot. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips on the side too - perfect for babies who are teething!

The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a tight budget and still want a chic, practical cot. It's a minimalist and sleek design that will be a good fit in any room. It can be used with a standard cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base, allowing it to grow with your child. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to accompany it.

Although it's not easy to build (one of our testers noted that the instructions weren't clear) after it's put together, it's lightweight and strong. It also comes with a benefit: a tilting function which can help with colic or reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can coordinate it with other nursery furnishings to create a coordinated appearance.

Cots with Storage

If you'd like to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of sight, but still within easy reach, a cot with storage is ideal. The majority of cots have an easy-to-access drawer where you can store lots of essentials, and some have hanging rails for muslin clothes or blankets and teething rails to shield the sides of your cot from tooth-gnashing urges.

You may be able transform your cot into daybed or toddler bed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to become a junior bed after your child turns five. This gives you the best value for money and guarantees that your cot will remain part of the family for years to come, but make certain to look at the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate for the nursery before purchasing.

Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a chic cot that 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 comes with many features such as an under-bed drawer for storage as well as a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. It's also a breeze to assemble with alphabetically labelled 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 revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from international sleep consultants. The price is high and may not fit into the budget of many families. Our full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.