Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

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

Most cots come with four secure sides to ensure your baby's safety at all times. They often come in the fixed size and could be converted to a toddler bed as your child gets older.

Standard Cots

Standard cots are ideal for small nursery settings and can be easily installed alongside the beds of parents, allowing them to keep an eye on their child while they sleep. They have sides that are fixed to prevent infants from climbing over them. But once infants can crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and therefore they need to be removed to prevent your child from falling off of the bed or hurting themselves.

Cots are shaped in a circular manner, which helps in reducing space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors to allow you to move them with ease.

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 robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, since they can cause children to drown.

A cot bed is a more spacious version of a cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, which means it can be turned into a toddler bed after your child is no longer using it. This feature is especially useful in the event that you're planning to have more than one child as it removes the need to switch between different kinds of furniture, and also saves money by purchasing separate beds. Most cot beds can be used from birth until your infant is about two years old, based on their size and weight.

Drop-side Cots

If you have back discomfort, a cot that has a drop-side is the Best cot for newborn option. 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 kind of cot means that your baby can be reached more easily during the day without having to be concerned about your back or lifting them. But, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm in order that your child isn't able to get out.

If you're not sure the best cot beds cot for your needs, we recommend getting in touch with Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can help you choose the most secure, stylish cot that grows with your child, meeting all safety standards that are required by law.

John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It received high marks for its easy assembly. The mother tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct - very clear instructions and pictures". It also comes with a practical drawer and teething rails, as well as 3 adjustable mattress height positions.

The cot is an excellent option for babies who sleep all at 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 for is whether the cot is certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models, which resulted in the USA banning certain dangerous designs. Choose a cot that locks automatically the drop side when in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which will prevent your baby from being able to pull the side down and climb out.

Corner Cots

Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any fabric placed near the baby should be secured tightly to avoid the risk of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot since they can strangle infants or cause them to crash their heads as they move around in their sleep.

This cot-bed that is minimalistic is a bargain but it's actually quite durable. It's suitable for infants all the way to toddlers. It has a wide range of mattress positions and can be easily converted into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a good option for parents with ceilings that slope because it comes with castors that lock to prevent the cot from slipping down.

Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed can be used from birth until 4 years old. Its unique oval shape means that it will not get stuck in corners, and it can easily fit into standard door frames. The cot sale can also be converted into a chic bench-style bed for a child who is older by simply taking the bars off.

A quality piece that's a great investment, this curved cot bed is available in either off-white or stylish green and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's a top choice for parents who value durability, since it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and into a twin bed for older children by taking out the front rails. It's also extremely sturdy and comes with a storage compartment, teething rails, and a handy hanger for blankets or muslins.

Cots with Drawers

If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or are looking for a design that will adapt to their needs, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the change to a toddler bed easy once your little one outgrows it. Some have built in drawers for storage and others even have a changing area included!

A cot with drawers is handy to store all your little one's favourite toys, muslin towels or blankets, and it can also make tidying up easier because you can put everything in one space. These cots also have anti-bite strips on the sides - ideal for babies who are teething!

If you're on a tight budget but still need a chic and practical cot then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. Its slimline and simple design can be incorporated in most rooms. It can be used with a standard cot bed and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base, allowing it to grow as your child grows. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that accompany it.

It's not easy to assemble (one of our test subjects said that the instructions were unclear) however, once built, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It also has an added benefit: a tilting function which can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can pair it with other nursery furniture if you're going for a coordinated style.

Cots with Storage

If you wish to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from sight but still within easy reach, a cot with storage options is the best choice. They usually have a drawer that can put away a lot of your essentials and some come with hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets and teething rails to shield the cot sides from your child's chewing urges.

Based on the style of your cot, you may be able to convert it into a toddler bed or day bed when your child is ready for a change or transform into a junior bed when your child turns five. This is a an excellent value for money and will ensure that your cot will remain part of the family for years to come, but be certain to look at the dimensions to ensure it will fit into your nursery before buying.

Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a stylish cot which can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It also grows with your child. The classic cot is simple in design, but it comes with a variety 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.

If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It is set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from international consultants. The price is high and may not be within the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.