Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots are designed to prevent babies from getting out of bed or becoming suffocated if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.

Most cots have four secured sides, so you can be certain that your child is secure throughout the day. Many cots are available in fixed-size and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child grows.

Standard Cots

Standard cots are perfect for small nurseries and can be fitted alongside parents' beds which allows parents to keep an eye on their child as they sleep. These cots are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing on the sides. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous and therefore they need to be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of the their bed or causing injury to themselves.

Cots are generally circular to help reduce space and are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and provide a comfortable and safe space for your child to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between spaces and are often on wheels or castors that enable you to move them with ease.

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

A cot-bed can be a bigger version than a cot, with removable sides and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your child is old enough to leave it. This feature is particularly useful when you are planning to have more than one child because it means you don't have to switch between different types of beds and saves money by not buying separate beds. Most cribs can be used from birth until your child is two years old, depending on their size and weight.

Drop-side Cots

If you suffer from back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the best option. top rated cots Cots For Tots won't need to bend as much over the side. This is important since back pain is one of the most common problems amongst new mothers and pregnant women particularly those who have previously hurt their backs.


This kind of cot lets you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without lifting them or worry about your back. However, you need to make sure that the distance between the base of the cot and the mattress is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child isn't able to climb out.

If you are unsure about the best cot for your needs, we recommend calling us at Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can help you choose the most stylish, safe cot that will grow along with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.

Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for being simple to put together. Gina mother tester, said it was "a simple assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It includes teething rail and a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.

The cot is an excellent option for babies who are able to sleep all night. Make sure that the slats of the cot's frame are properly fixed and not too loose.

Another thing to check for is whether the cot is certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models, and this led to dangerous designs being outlawed in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able to pull the side down in order to climb out.

Corner Cots

Although photos of a styled nursery might show blankets that are artistically draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics that are placed near the baby should be pulled into a tight swaddle to avoid the danger of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot as they can be strangulating and children could get their heads against them when they roll over in their sleep.

A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this minimalist cot bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing a side panel. It's also a good choice for parents who have ceilings that slope because it comes with lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling.

Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from birth until 4 years old. Its unique oval shape means that it won't get caught in corners and can easily fit into the standard door frames. The cot can also be converted into a chic bench-style bed for an older child by lifting the bars.

A quality piece that's a great investment This curved cot is available in off-white or fashionable green and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's a top option for parents who appreciate longevity, since it can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides, and then into a twin bed for older children by taking out the front rails. It's also incredibly durable and comes with an storage drawer as well as teething rails, as well as an ideal hanging rail for blankets or muslins.

Cots with Drawers

There are numerous options on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that will adapt to their needs. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the change over simple when your child outgrows it. Other cots come with built-in drawers for storage, and some have a changing area included!

A crib with drawers is ideal to store all your little one's favourite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets. It also makes tidying up easier since you can store everything in one location. The cots also come with anti-bite strips on the sides, which are great for teething infants!

The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a tight budget and nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It's minimalist design that's slim and will work well in all rooms. It can be used with an ordinary crib mattress and has three adjustable base heights to grow with your baby. It can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out one of the side panels, and there's a range of furniture that can be used with it.

Although it's not easy to build (one of our testers noted that the instructions weren't clear) Once it's assembled, it is lightweight and sturdy. It also comes with a benefit: a tilting feature that can help with colic or reflux. Plus, it's available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with other furniture for your nursery if you're going for a cohesive appearance.

Cots with Storage

If you want your baby's bedding and toys away from sight but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage is ideal. These cots usually feature an easy-to-access drawer where you 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 sides of your cot from your child's chewing urges.

Based on the style of your cot, you may be able to transform it into a toddler bed or day bed if your child is ready for a change and some transform into a junior bed after your baby turns five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a family member for a long time. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.

Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a stylish cot that is suitable for babies up to two years old. It also grows with your child. The classic cot features an easy design, but it comes with many features like an under-bed drawer to store items as well as a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. It's also a breeze to put together with alphabetically labeled components and excellent instructions.

For a more advanced 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 includes expert advice from experts from around the world. It's a significant investment, however, and may be out of budget for many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.