How to Choose the best Cots uk affordable 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 on the top rails.

If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.

Size

A good cot is the ideal size to provide your baby with room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for babies between three and four years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features that can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you purchase.

There are cots available at a wide range of retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.

If you are seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot monitors 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 placed in any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's routines.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. The cot is minimalistic, constructed from solid beech, features a removable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the level of your child's bed as they grow. It's also a great crib option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it simple to assemble.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. 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 has three mattress options that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery but they must be secure too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you're buying a used cot, make sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers because they can come off and create a choking hazard to your child.

Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots available to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.

The depth of the cot is an additional important aspect to consider. You should choose a cot with at least 50cm of depth to prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are a myriad of options available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy a new cot you may be interested in a mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100 however it's well worth it for peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about the design. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that are perfect for any furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.

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

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the benefit of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years old, when it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a bit costly for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night, but it's important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you must also ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and effectively and isn't easily lifted by your child.

If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. This information is usually found in the product description of cots or Best Cots Uk cot beds however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.

Convertibility

It is possible that your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to accomplish that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use them beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for money if you intend to use them until your baby has grown.

It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is fully slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will need to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots come with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is a great benefit if you're short on time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mom testers best rated cribs the John Lewis Best cot for newborn-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It comes in different sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for 3 children.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be transformed into an infant's bed. Once your child grows older, you can make the switch to a junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.