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Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots are designed to keep children from getting out of bed or dying if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They shouldn't have sharp edges or protrusions.

Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. They are usually of an unchanging size, and can be converted into an infant bed as your child gets older.

Standard Cots

Standard cots can be placed on top of the parents' bed, allowing them to view their child as they sleep. They are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that prevent infants from climbing over the sides. Once your baby is able to stand and crawl, these sides are dangerous and should be removed.

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

A lot of cots are basic and simple. Some have extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. Natural materials are the best because they are durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, since they can suffocate young children.

A cot bed is a more spacious version of a cot that has removable sides and an end panel, meaning it can be turned into a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly useful if you expect to have more than one baby, as it eliminates having to change between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth until around two years of age dependent on the weight and size of your infant.

Drop-side Cots

If you suffer from back discomfort, a cot that has a drop-side is the best alternative. You won't have to bend over the side. Back pain is a common problem for pregnant women and new mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past.

This type of cot means that your baby will be easily reached during the day without you needing to be concerned about your back or lifting them. You must ensure that there is a minimum of 4 cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from escaping.

If you are unsure about which cot is best for your needs We suggest contact Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can assist you in finding an elegant, safe cot that can grow with your child, meeting all safety standards required by law.

Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being easy to construct. Gina mother tester said it was "a easy assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It comes with teething rails, a drawer for storage and three different mattress height positions.

The cot is a great option for babies who sleep all the 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 has been certified to be in compliance with British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this has led to unsafe designs being prohibited in the USA. Look for a model with an auto-locking drop side that locks in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able to lower the side to climb out.

Corner Cots

While styled nursery photos may show blankets artistically draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant deaths, all fabrics that are placed near the baby should be pulled into a tight swaddle to avoid the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the cot since they could strangle babies or cause them to crash their heads as they move around in their sleep.

A budget-friendly purchase that's robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It offers a variety of mattress bases and is easily transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a good choice for parents with ceilings that slope as it has castors that lock to prevent the cot from falling down.

This cot bed made of wood in a vintage style is another cot that is easily converted. It can be used by children from birth until age 4. It features an unique oval shape that ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and will easily fit through door frames that are standard. The cot can also be converted into a stylish bench-style bed for a child who is older by taking the bars off.

A top-quality piece that's a good investment, this curved cot bed is available in either off-white or stylish green and will be the focal point of any nursery. It's an excellent option for parents who appreciate longevity, as it can be made into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and into a twin bed for older children by taking out the front rails. It's also incredibly durable and includes storage drawers as well as teething rails, as well as an ideal hanging rail for blankets or muslins.

Cots with Drawers

There are a variety of options on the market, whether you need additional storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that will grow with them. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the switch to a toddler bed easy once your child outgrows it. Other cots have built in drawers to store things in and some include a changing station included!

A cot with drawers is great to keep all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths or blankets. It can also make tidying up easier as you can keep everything in one location. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips on the side too - perfect for teething babies!

If you're on a budget but still require a stylish and practical cot, the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's a minimalist and sleek design that will be a good fit in any room. It can be used with a standard mattress for a cot and comes with three heights that can be adjusted to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to be used with it.

Although it can be a bit difficult to construct (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions were not clear), once it's constructed it's lightweight and strong. It also has an added bonus: a tilting feature that can aid in treating reflux or colic. Plus, it's available in a variety of colours too so you can match it to other nursery furniture in the event that you want a coordinated look.

Cots with Storage

A cot that has storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from view but still within reach. They usually have a drawer that can put away a lot of your essentials, and some have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets as well as teething rails to guard the cot sides from your child's chewing urges.

Based on the style of your cot, you may be able to turn it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for an upgrade and some be converted into a junior bed after your baby turns five. This is a the best value for money and will ensure that your cot will be an integral part of your family for Cots4Tots.co.Uk many years to come, but be sure to verify the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate for your nursery before buying.

Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a stylish cot that is suitable for infants up to 2 years old. It will also grow with your child. This classic crib is simple in its design, but it comes with a variety of features, including an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. It's also easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.

If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed up with expert advice from international sleep experts. It's a significant investment, however it could be priced out of the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.