Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots are designed to stop infants from falling out of their beds, or suffocating if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the sale cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.

The majority of cots have four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's safety throughout the day. They are usually of a fixed size and may be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows.

Standard Cots

Standard cots are ideal for smaller nursery settings and can be easily placed on top of parents' beds, allowing them to watch their baby whilst they sleep. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over them. However, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a danger to safety and therefore they need to be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of the bed or injuring themselves.

Cots are generally circular to help save space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are easily portable and typically come with castors or wheels so that you can move them around.

A lot of cots are basic and straightforward. Some come with extra features like teething rails or drawers for storage. The most durable cots are constructed from natural materials since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of stuffed pillows or animals, as they could cause suffocation for children.

A cot bed is a more spacious version of the cot which features removable sides as well as an end panel. This means it can be converted into a toddler bed after your child has outgrown it. This feature is particularly useful if you are expecting to have more than one child since it removes the need to switch between various kinds of furniture, tots and cots also saves money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds are suitable from birth until your infant is two years old, based on their weight and size.

Drop-side Cots

If you suffer from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best alternative. You won't have to bend as much over the side. This is crucial as back problems are one of the most common issues among pregnant women and new parents, especially those who have suffered back injuries in the past.

This kind of cot lets you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day without having to lift them or worry about your back. It is essential to make sure that there is at least 4 cm between the base and the mattress to avoid your child from escaping.

We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure which the best cot for your needs. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can assist you in choosing a stylish, safe cot that will develop with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.

Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for its ease to construct. The mother tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions and pictures". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress height positions.

The cot's strength and solid structure makes it an excellent option for babies that can sleep all night. But make sure whether the cot is constructed from a sanitized material such as solid wood, and that the slats have been fixed in a proper manner and not too loose.

Verify that the cot has been certified to meet British safety regulations. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models, and this has led to some unsafe designs being prohibited in the USA. Find a cot with an auto-locking side for the drop in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able pull the side down to climb out.

Corner Cots

While styled nursery photos might show blankets that are artistically wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed near the baby should be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the possibility of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the crib as they can strangle babies or cause them to fall on their heads when they roll around in their sleep.

A low-cost purchase that's sturdy, this minimalistic crib bed is suitable from birth until toddler age. It offers a variety of mattress base positions and can easily be converted into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a good option for parents with sloped ceilings since it has castors that can be locked to stop 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. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it won't get caught in corners, and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. By removing the bars you can convert the cot into a stylish bed for older children.

This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will make an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in off-white and stylish green. It's a great option for parents who value longevity, since it can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and turning into a twin bed for older children by taking out the front rails. It's also extremely sturdy and comes with a storage compartment with teething rails as well as an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.

Cots with Drawers

If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or you are looking for a design that will grow with them 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 has outgrown them. Some have built-in drawers that can be used for storage and some even come with a nappy changing station!

A cot with drawers is handy for keeping all your child's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets, and it also makes tidying up easier since you can store everything in one place. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips on the side too - perfect for teething babies!

The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It's slimline and simple design will fit in the majority of rooms. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot bed and comes with three heights adjustable for the base to increase as your child grows. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to go along with it.

Although it's not easy to construct (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear) after it's put together, it's lightweight and strong. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function which can aid with colic and reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with other nursery furnishings for a cohesive appearance.

Cots with Storage

If you wish to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view, but still within easy reach, a cot with storage options is the best choice. These cots usually feature a drawer that can store lots of essentials, and some have hanging rails for muslin clothes or blankets and teething rails to shield the sides of the cot from your little one's teething inclinations.

Based on the style of your cot you might 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 gives you the best cot newborn value for money and will ensure that your cot will be an integral part of your family for a long time to come, but be sure to check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate for your nursery before buying.

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 take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. The classic cot is simple in design but offers plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.

If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionize how babies sleep, and comes with expert advice from experts from around the world. It's an investment, though it could be priced out of the budget of many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.