Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

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

Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's safety throughout the day. Many cots are available in fixed-size and can be made into a toddler bed if your child grows.

Standard Cots

Standard cots can be placed on top of the parents' bed, giving parents to see their child while they sleep. They are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that stop children from climbing over the sides. Once your baby is capable of standing and crawling on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.

Cots are usually circular to help reduce space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and safe space for your child to sleep. They can be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors to enable you to move them with ease.

Some cots have extra features such as drawers or teething rails, but most are basic. Natural materials are the best since they are more durable and resistant to wear. They should be free of stuffed toys or pillows as they could pose danger of suffocation for children who are still young.

A cheap cot beds bed is a more spacious version of the cot that includes removable sides and an end panel, meaning it can be turned into a toddler bed when your child has outgrown it. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that you're planning to have more than one child as it eliminates the need to switch between various kinds of furniture, and also saves money on buying separate beds. Most cot beds can be used from the moment your baby is born until the time he is about two years old, based on their size and weight.

Drop-side Cots

A cot with a drop side is ideal for those who suffer from back pain as it means that you do not have to bend over the side as much. Back pain is a common problem for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially those who have suffered back injuries in the past.

This type of cot means that your baby can be reached more easily during the day without you having to worry about your back or lifting them. However, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child won't be able to get out.

If you're not sure which cot is right for your needs we suggest contact Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you find the most secure, stylish cot that can grow with your child, and meet all safety standards that are required by law.

Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for its ease to construct. Gina mom test-sitting has said that it was "a easy assembly with very clear and illustrated instructions". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails plus three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.

The cot's durability and solid build makes it a good option for babies that sleep through the night. Make sure that the slats of the cot's frame are properly secured and not too loose.

Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been inspected to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models and this led to unsafe designs being outlawed in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side in the up position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able to pull the side down to climb out.

Corner Cots

While styled nursery photos may show blankets artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant cot bed deaths, any fabrics that are placed near the baby should be pulled into a tight swaddle to avoid the possibility of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be hung above the cot, since they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads on them when they slumber during their sleep.

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

Another small cot beds that is easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed is used from the time of birth until 4 years old. It has an unusual oval shape that ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and is able to easily fit through door frames that are standard. The cot can be turned into a stylish bench-style bed for an older child by simply taking the bars off.

A quality piece that's a good investment This curved cot bed is available in off-white or stylish green, and will be the focal point of any nursery. It's a top option for parents who value longevity, as it can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides, and then into a twin bed for a child who is older by cutting off the front rails. It's also incredibly sturdy and includes a storage drawer, teething rails and an ideal hanging rail for muslins or blankets.

Cots with Drawers

Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or you need a design that can evolve with your child There are plenty of options on the market. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the switch over easy when your child outgrows it. Some have built in drawers for storage, and some include a changing station included!

A crib with drawers is ideal for keeping all your little one's favourite toys, muslin cloths or blankets, and it helps in tidying up as you can keep everything in one space. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite strips of plastic on the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!

The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a tight budget and nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. Its slimline and simple design can be incorporated in any room. It can be used in conjunction with an ordinary cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base, allowing it to grow along with your child. It can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out one of the side panels and there's a selection of matching furniture with it.

Although it can be tricky to construct (one of our testers noted that the instructions were not clear), once it's constructed it's lightweight and strong. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's also available in a variety of colours, so you can pair it with other furniture in the nursery if you want a coordinated appearance.

Cots with Storage

A cot with storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view but within easy reach. These cots usually feature a handy drawer where you can keep a variety of items, and some have hanging rails for muslin clothes or blankets and teething rails to shield the sides of the cot from tooth-gnashing urges.

Depending on the design of your cot you might be able to convert it into a toddler bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change, and some can even turn into a junior bed after your baby turns five. This provides you with great value for money and ensures that your cot will remain an integral part of your family for years to come, but make sure to check the dimensions to ensure it's a good cribs fit for the nursery before purchasing.

If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth until two years and will grow with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. The classic cot features an unassuming design, however it has numerous features, including an under-bed drawer to store items, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also easy to put together thanks to 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 all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep and includes expert advice from international experts. The cost is expensive and may not be within the budget of many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.