How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

With its sleek, minimalist design and warm oak finish, this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails help keep it neat and tidy.

This crib is the solution for your baby who is a bit fussy. It makes soothing sounds that resemble the sound of a baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to allow your baby cots on sale enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots have curved corners or other features that can cause issues with the fitting of a mattress, so it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.

You can find cots at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. It's also worth shopping online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.

If you're looking for the best infant cribs crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby to get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made of solid beech and has a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it simple to assemble.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings which allow you reach your baby easily and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery but they have to be secure too. Find a cot that is certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.

If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Look for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and pose the risk of choking your baby.

Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into the toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.

The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. You should look for the cot to have at least 50cm of depth to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out available from foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy an entirely new cot, you may think about a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's well worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When shopping for a child, it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. But don't forget the design. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it's important to find one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that are perfect for any furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a nice feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack, complete with labelled parts and simple instructions.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its smooth oval finish and quality construction impressed our test subjects however the cost might be a problem for some.

If you select an item with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke. you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and isn't easily lifted by your child.

If you're buying a cot that converts into a mattress, ensure that it complies with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, but should you have any questions, it's worth speaking to the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

Some models are made to last for a long time. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they are required to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you plan to use them long after your baby is grown.

It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots come with extra features like storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help save space and make parenting experience simpler. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal if you are short on time or worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cheap cot bed, which is an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It comes in various sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through 3 children.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into the bed of a toddler. When your child grows older, you can upgrade to a junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.