How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.

If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It makes soft sounds that sound like a womb.

Size

A good cot is the ideal size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most babies until they reach three years old. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that can alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are plenty of shops on the high streets where you can browse a wide range of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your needs. You can also get a better feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you're looking for the best infant cribs cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues, and it can even track their sleep cycles to help you understand the habits of your little one.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed 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 space to fit their requirements. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to put together.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four. It has three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.

Safety

affordable cots and cot beds are an essential part of your baby's nursery but they have to be safe as well. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and pose the risk of choking your baby.

Some cots come with extra features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's easy to put together and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.

The depth of the cot is an additional important factor to consider. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You may also want to think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the style. 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. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with any furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and fashionable. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the benefit of being able grow with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its quality construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a little too pricey for some.

A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night, but it's important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them carefully to ensure your baby is snug and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily removed by your child.

You should also ensure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the bars. most recommended cribs cots and cot beds will include this information in the product description or on their website, however if you have any concerns you should speak to the retailer to be certain.

Convertibility

Some models are made to last for many years. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it long after the baby stage. These are more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of the larger child for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for money if you intend to use them until your baby has grown.

It is essential to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it isn't then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots are also equipped with extra features such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help to reduce space and make your life as a parent easier. Some cots are easy to put together, which is a great benefit in case you're running out of time or are worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents reported that hers had lasted through three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great crib alternative. It is a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.