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 a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it neat and tidy.

This smart crib could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the womb.

Size

A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they reach three years of age. Some cots could have curving edges or other features that may affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.

There are plenty of stores on the high street that offer the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your needs. You can also get a better feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you're looking for the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing issues or cot bed are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It comes with a variety of mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's also a great crib choice for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to put together.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress heights, which allow you reach your child easily, and can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery however, they must be safe as well. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you are purchasing a second-hand cot bed crib, be sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might fall off, creating the risk of choking your Baby Crib.

Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to assemble, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs beds to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it for your growing baby.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from climbing out when they begin to grow more mobile. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. You may also want to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100 however it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get caught up on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about style. A cot will be in use for a long time so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that are perfect for the furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack, with labelled parts and simple instructions.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the practicality of being 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 older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price could be a concern for some.

A crib is a safe space for your Baby Crib to sleep throughout the day and at night It is important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. Additionally, you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child.

If you are buying a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, however If you are concerned it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

Certain models are designed to last for an extended period of time. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use them past the infant stage. They tend to be 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 your money if you are planning to use them until your child is older.

A cot is also one of the most important purchases you will make for your new Baby Cot Bed It is crucial to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't, you will have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.

Some cots also come with extra features such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help to reduce space and make your life as a parent simpler. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and images.

Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It comes in different sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through three kids.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.