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 and an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails help keep it neat and tidy.

This crib is the answer for your cheap baby cots who is a bit fussy. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like a mother's womb.

Size

A cot that is suitable for your child is the right size to provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most infants up to three years old. However, some cots have curved corners or other features that could result in issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.

There are plenty of retailers on the high street that offer an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's a great choice for infants or babies with breathing problems and it can monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the habits of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's also a good option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it easy to put together.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding a footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe too. Choose a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.

If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, since this could cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and create the risk of choking your baby.

Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most recommended cribs simple cots available to transform into the toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it for your growing Baby Cot Bed.

The depth of the cot is a further important factor to consider. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep in order to stop your child from escaping when they start to increase their mobility. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are many choices out there from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when buying for a baby but remember to think about the design. It is crucial to choose the right cot for the nursery of your baby and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that are perfect for any furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the practicality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, at which point you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a bit expensive for some.

If you select a model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely separated, your child could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.

If you're buying a cot that converts into a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, however should you have any questions you should speak to the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your child is older.

It is crucial to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will have to buy a separate bed mattress.

Some cots come with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails, which can help save space and make your parenting experience easier. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and cot bed pictures.

The Boori cot is a different option. It has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to 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 sales by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three kids.

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