Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

cots to tots prevent babies from falling out of bed or becoming suffocated when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any sharp edges or protrusions.

Most cots have four secured sides, so you can be sure your child is secure at all times. They often come in a fixed size and may be converted to a toddler bed when your child grows up.

Standard Cots

Standard cots can be easily installed beside the parents' bed, giving them a view of their child as they lay down. They are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that stop infants from climbing over the sides. Once your baby is capable of standing and crawling over the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.

Cots are shaped in a circular manner, which helps reduce space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure space for your baby to rest in. They are easy to transport and usually have wheels or castors so you can move them around.

Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some come with extra features, like teething rails or storage drawers. The best cots are made from natural materials since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of any toys or pillows as they could pose the risk of suffocation to young children.

A cot-bed is a bigger version of a cot with removable sides and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your baby grows out of it. This feature is especially useful when you are planning to have more than one child since it makes it easier to switch between different types and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth to around two years old depending on the weight and size of your infant.

Drop-side Cots

If you have back discomfort, a cot that has a drop-side is the best cot beds option. You won't need to bend over the side. This is crucial as back pain is among the most common problems amongst pregnant women and new parents particularly those who have had back injuries previously.

This type of cot allows your baby to be reached more easily throughout the day without having to be concerned about your back or lifting them. You must ensure that there is at least 4cm between the base of the mattress and the mattress to prevent your child from climbing out.

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

Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for its ease to put together. Gina, a mum tester, said it was "a breeze to assemble - extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It includes teething rail and a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.

The cot's strength and solid construction makes it a great choice for babies who do not sleep through the night. However, you must ensure whether the cot is constructed of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats have been fixed in a proper manner and not too loose.

Another thing to check for is whether the cot has been inspected to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models and this resulted in the USA banning certain unsafe designs. Choose a cot that automatically locks the drop side when in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which will prevent your baby from pulling the side down and climb out.

Corner Cots

Red Nose, an organization that works to end sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any fabric placed near a baby should be tucked tightly to reduce the possibility of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging over the cot, as they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads on them if they slumber during their sleep.

A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It comes with a wide variety of mattress base positions and can easily be converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It is also a great option for parents with high ceilings that slope. It comes with lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.

Another cot that's simple to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from birth until the child is four years old. It has an unique oval shape that ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners tots and cots will easily fit through door frames that are standard. By removing the bars, it is possible to transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.

A high-quality piece that's a good investment This curved cot bed is available in off-white or fashionable green and will be the focal point of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents who are looking for a durable product. It can be turned into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides, and into a twin for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely robust and comes with a storage drawer, teething rails and an easy hanging rail to hang blankets or 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 adapt to their needs There are plenty of options on the market. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds, so that you can easily change them when your child has outgrown them. Some come with built-in drawers that can be used for storage and some come with a nappy changing station!

It's convenient to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, and other things that your child enjoys. It also makes it easier to tidy it up, as everything is all in one spot. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips along the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!

The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a tight budget and nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. Its slimline and simple design will fit in most rooms. It can be used with an ordinary mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable base heights to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out one of the side panels and there's a selection of matching furniture to go with it.

It's not easy to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed, it is lightweight and durable. It also comes with a 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 furniture for your nursery in the event that you want an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Cots with Storage

A cot with storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight but easily accessible. The majority of cots have a drawer that can keep a variety of items and some even have hanging rails for muslin clothes or blankets, as well as teething rails to shield the sides of the cot from tooth-gnashing urges.

Based on the design of your cot, you may be able to convert it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change and some turn into a junior bed once your child is five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a family member for a long time. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it will fit in your nursery.

If you're looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and that will grow with your child, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. The classic crib is simple in its appearance but comes with plenty of features, including an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also a breeze to put together 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's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed up by the expertise of international sleep experts. It's a significant investment, however, and may be out of budget for many families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.