Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?<br /><br />Cots are designed to keep babies from falling out of their beds or becoming suffocated if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They shouldn't have protrusions or sharp edges.<br /><br />Most cots have four secured sides, so you can be certain that your baby is safe throughout the day. Many cots are available in fixed-size and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows.<br /><br />Standard Cots<br /><br />Standard cots are great for small nurseries and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds, allowing them to watch their baby whilst they rest. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent infants from stepping over them. But, once babies can crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous and therefore they need to be removed to stop your child from falling off of the bed or injuring themselves.<br /><br />Cots are usually circular to help reduce space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are portable and often have castors or wheels so that you can move them around.<br /><br /><br /><br />Certain cots are equipped with additional features, like drawers with teething rails or teething rails but most are basic. Natural materials are the best because they are durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is essential to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, since they can suffocate young children.<br /><br />A cot bed is a larger version of the cot that has removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be transformed into a toddler bed after your child has outgrown it. This feature is especially useful in the event that you're planning to have more than one child as it will eliminate the necessity of switching between different kinds of furniture, and also saves money on buying separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to about two years old depending on the weight and size of your infant.<br /><br />Drop-side Cots<br /><br />A cot that has drop sides is perfect if you suffer from back pain as it means you do not have to bend over the side as much. This is important since back problems are one of the most common issues among new mothers and pregnant women particularly those who have previously hurt their backs.<br /><br />This type of cot also means that your baby will be reached more easily during the day without needing to worry about your back or lifting them. It is essential to make sure that there is a minimum of 4 cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from climbing out.<br /><br />If you're not sure which cot is right for your child's needs we suggest calling Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can assist you in choosing the most stylish and safe cot that can develop with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.<br /><br />Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for its ease to put together. Mom tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions with pictures". It includes a teething rail, a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.<br /><br />The cot's strength and solid construction makes it a great option for babies that sleep through the night. However, you must ensure whether the cot is constructed from a sanitized material such as solid wood and that the slats are fixed in a proper manner and not too loose.<br /><br />Verify that the cot is certified to meet British safety regulations. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models, which resulted in the USA banning some unsafe designs. Look for a model that locks automatically 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 get out.<br /><br />Corner Cots<br /><br />Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any material placed near the baby should be secured tightly to reduce the risk of the baby suffocating. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be hung above the cot as they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads against them when they roll over during their sleep.<br /><br />This minimalist cot-bed is a bargain, but it's surprisingly sturdy. It's suitable for babies to toddlers. <a href="https://output.jsbin.com/pusegafowa/">tots and cots</a> can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by removing a side panel. It is also a great choice for parents who have high ceilings that slope. It has lockable castors that prevent the cot falling down.<br /><br />Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed is used from birth until the child is four years old. It features an unusual oval shape that ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and will easily pass through standard door frames. By removing the bars, it is possible to transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.<br /><br />A quality piece that's an excellent investment, this curved cot bed is available in either off-white or fashionable green and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's a great option for parents who are seeking a durable item. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides, or into a twin bed for a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly robust and comes with an storage drawer, teething rails and an easy hanging rail to hang muslins or blankets.<br /><br />Cots with Drawers<br /><br />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 converted into toddler beds, allowing you to quickly switch them out when your child has outgrown them. Others have built-in drawers to store things, and some even come with a nappy changing station!<br /><br />A cot with drawers is great for keeping all your little one's favourite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets, and it also makes tidying up easier because you can put everything in the same place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips on their sides - ideal for infants who are teething!<br /><br />If you're on a budget but still need a chic and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. Its slim and simple design can be incorporated in most rooms. It can be used with a standard cot and has three adjustable heights for the base to increase as your child grows. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by cutting off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that go along with it.<br /><br />It's not an easy thing to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It also has a unique feature: a tilting feature which can help with reflux and colic. It's also available in a range of colors, meaning you can match it with other furniture for your nursery to create a coordinated appearance.<br /><br />Cots with Storage<br /><br />A cot that has storage is ideal for those who want to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view but easily accessible. These cots usually feature a drawer that can put away a lot of your essentials and some even have hanging rails for muslin clothes or blankets as well as a teething rail to protect the sides of your cot from your child's tooth-gnashing urges.<br /><br />Depending on the design of your cot, you may be able to turn it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for an upgrade, and some can even turn into a junior bed after your child is five. This gives you an excellent value for money and guarantees that your cot will remain part of the family for a long time to come, but be certain to look at the dimensions to ensure it's a good fit for the nursery before purchasing.<br /><br />Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a stylish cot which can be used for infants from 2 to 2 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 and a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is simple to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.<br /><br />The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to better sleep is a cot bassinet, and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep and includes expert advice from international consultants. It's an investment, however it could be beyond the budget of many families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.<br /><br />