"The Baby Cot Awards: The Best, Worst, And The Most Unlikely Things We've Seen

· 6 min read
"The Baby Cot Awards: The Best, Worst, And The Most Unlikely Things We've Seen

Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

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

Most cots have 4 solid sides, which means you can rest assured that your child is secure at all times. They usually come in a fixed size and may be converted into a toddler bed when your child grows up.

Standard Cots

Standard cots can be easily placed on top of the parents' bed, allowing them to view their child while they rest. They have sides that are fixed to prevent infants from climbing over them. When your baby is able to stand and crawl over the sides, they pose dangerous and should be removed.

Cots are circular in shape, which helps reduce space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are easy to transport and typically come with castors or wheels so you can move them around.

A lot of cots are basic and straightforward. Some have extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. Natural materials are the best since they are durable and more resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, as they can cause children to drown.

A cot-bed can be a bigger version of a cot with a removable side and end panels. It can be converted into a toddler's bed once your baby grows out of it. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that you plan to have more than one child since it makes it easier to switch between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. Most cribs can be used right 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 that has drop sides is perfect if you suffer from back pain as it means you aren't bending over the side as much. Back back pain is a common occurrence for pregnant women and new mothers, especially when they've had back injuries in the past.

This type of cot also means that your baby can be easily reached during the day without you needing to worry about your back or lifting them. However, you need to ensure that the gap between the base of the cot and the mattress is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child can't climb out.

We suggest that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure about which cot will best suit your requirements. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can help you choose a safe, stylish cot that grows with your child, and meet all safety standards that are required by law.

Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being easy to construct. Gina mom test-sitting, said it was "a easy assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It comes with teething rails, a drawer for storage and 3 different positions for the mattress's height.

The cot is a great option for babies who sleep all at night. But make sure that the cot is made 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 is certified to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this has led to dangerous designs being banned in the USA. Find a cot that auto locks the drop side when in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your child from being able to pull the side down and climb out.

Corner Cots

Red Nose, an organization that works to end sudden infant deaths syndrome, advises that any material placed near the baby should be secured tightly to prevent the possibility of the baby suffocating. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the crib as they could strangle babies or cause them to hit their heads when they sway around in their sleep.

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

Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed can be used from birth until the child is 4 years old. It has an unique oval shape that means it won'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 bed for a child who is older by simply lifting the bars.

A top-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 is a great choice for parents who are looking for a durable product. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing its sides and into a twin for older children when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly sturdy and comes with a storage drawer and teething rails as well as an easy hanging rail to hang muslins or blankets.

Cots with Drawers

There are a variety of options on the market, whether you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that can expand with them. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds, allowing you to easily switch when your child outgrows them. Others have built-in drawers to store things, and some even include a changing station!

A cot with drawers is handy to keep all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets, and it helps in tidying up as you can keep everything in one space. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips on the side too - perfect for teething babies!

If you're on a budget but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It's minimalist and sleek design that will work well in all rooms. It is compatible with an ordinary crib mattress and has three heights that can be adjusted to accommodate the growing baby. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to accompany it.

It's not easy to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear) However, once it's constructed it is light and long-lasting. It also has a unique feature: a tilting feature which can help with reflux and colic. 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 coordinated look.

Cots with Storage

A cot with storage is ideal when you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of view but easily accessible. They usually have an easy-to-access drawer where you can put away a lot of your essentials and some come with hanging rails for muslin clothes or blankets and teething rails to guard the sides of the cot from your child's tooth-gnashing urges.

You may be able convert your cot into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can even transform into a junior bed when your child reaches 5. This provides you with the best value for money and will ensure that your cot will be an integral part of your family for many years to come, but be certain to look at the dimensions to ensure it's a good fit for the nursery before purchasing.

If  crib sets  looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and will develop with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot has an unassuming design, however it offers many features such as an under-bed drawer for storage, a teething rail, and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is simple 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 all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep and comes with expert advice from international experts. It's an investment, though, and may be priced out of the budget of many families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.