How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.

This crib with smart technology could be the solution for your baby who is a bit fussy. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the sound of a mother's womb.

Size

A good cot is the right size to give your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for babies between three and four years old. However, some cots feature curves or other features which can cause issues with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.

You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also worth shopping online, as 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 crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's habits.

Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it simple to assemble.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress heights, which will help you to reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.

Safety

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

If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint is toxic for babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, particularly on the sides, where children might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and present an choking risk to your baby.

Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple 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 convert into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out as they grow more mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when purchasing a baby's cot but don't forget about style. A cot is going to be used for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to construct even though it is in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.

Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers however the cost may be a hindrance for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay during the day and night It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child.

If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.

Convertibility

Certain models are designed to last for an extended period of time. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to keep using it after the baby stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for money if you intend to continue using them once your child is older.

A cot is among the most important purchases you will make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress.

Some cots come with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or are concerned about putting them together by yourself. 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 gorgeous Boori cot, best cots which comes with a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It is available in various sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through 3 children.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The Mini Cot Bed model can be used from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into an infant's bed. When your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to the junior bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.