How to Choose the Best Cots Uk Cots in the UK

With its sleek, minimalist design and warm oak finish, this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. It's also neat by having a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach three years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features which can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, so it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.

There are plenty of stores on the high street that offer the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your needs. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and the way it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib sets or cot. It's a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties, and it can even track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the routines of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the level of your child's bed as they expand. It's a great choice for small bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to set up.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings, which will help you easily reach your baby and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must 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 should have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended cribs.

If you are buying a secondhand cot bed sales, make sure it's not too old as paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, since this could cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing a choking risk to your baby.

Some cots have extra features like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots to convert into a toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that are adjustable which means you can use it to accommodate your growing child.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a myriad of options there from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100, but it is well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in different colourways and designs that look great with any furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a nice feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to put together and was delivered in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.

Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years old, when it can be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and quality construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep during the day and night however it is essential that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you choose a cot that has bars that are not properly separated, your child could get trapped or choke. You should also be sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.

It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns you should speak to the retailer to be certain.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last a long time and some models are designed to accomplish that. The most recommended cribs popular models convert into toddler beds and even sofas, allowing you to use it well past the infant stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support a heavier child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby has grown.

It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it does not, you will need to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots are equipped with additional features like a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect if you are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. One of our mom test subjects has rated the John Lewis sale cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.

Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will suit your room. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has a modular design which allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. If your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to a junior bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.