How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.

Size

A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for babies between three and four years old. Some cots could have curves or other features that could affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore important to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are many stores on the high street where you can check out an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.

If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great choice for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing difficulties, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the height of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's a great choice for small bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to put together.

Another budget-friendly cot 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 your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings 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 an additional footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are essential for your baby's nursery However, they must be secure. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you're purchasing a used crib, be sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, since this could cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that might be removed, posing a choking risk to your baby.

Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots on the market to convert into a toddler bed. The cot sales comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it to accommodate your growing child.

The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from climbing out when they begin to become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, but it is worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When shopping for a child it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook style. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours 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 can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labeled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the practicality of being able to grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child is five, after which it can be converted into a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed by its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a bit expensive for some.

If you choose the model with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently and cannot be easily lowered by your child.

You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the description of the product for cots or 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 recommended cribs popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they are required to support a heavier child for a longer time. However they are a great investment if you intend to use them for a long time after your baby is grown.

It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it does not, you will have to buy a separate bed mattress.

Some best cots are also equipped with extra features like a storage drawer and teething rails that can help you save space and make parenting experience easier. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are worried about putting them together 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 images.

Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It is available in a variety of sizes that will suit your space. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through 3 children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is an modular design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into an infant's bed. Once your child grows older, you can then upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.