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 as well as an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it neat too.

If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.

Size

A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots feature curves or other features that could create problems with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.

There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.

If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's routines.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. This minimalist cot is constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the height of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to construct.

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

Safety

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

If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Check for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands as this may cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that could fall off, creating an choking risk for your baby.

Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots available to transform into an infant bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.

The depth of the cot is a further important consideration. It is recommended to choose an cot that has at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100 however it's worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby but remember to think about style. It is crucial to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.

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

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable, functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the functionality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child is five, after which you can transform it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality design and smooth oval shape however, Best Cots it could be a bit costly for some.

A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay both at night and during the day, but it's important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you select a cot with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. you should also check that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily lifted by your child.

If you're buying an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of cots and tots or cot beds, but you can also check the website of the seller.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. Most popular cots can be transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to keep using it after the baby stage. They cost more as they are required to support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to use them for a long time after your baby has developed.

It's important to make sure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps at all sides. If it is not, you will have to purchase a separate bed mattress.

Some cots also come with extra features like a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help you save space and make parenting life simpler. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one our mum testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your room, and best cots one of our test parents stated that hers had lasted through three kids.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini cot beds model is ideal from birth, and then transforms 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. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.