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. It is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.

If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.

Size

A good cot is the ideal size to allow your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm by 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most infants until they reach around three years old. Some cots may have curved edges or other features that can impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to check the cot's footprint prior buying.

There are a lot of stores on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. It's also worth shopping online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for a top-notch cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing difficulties, and it can even track their sleep cycles, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to set up.

The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings, which will help you reach your baby easily, and can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be secure. Choose a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't suggested.

If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to check the age of it. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, as this may cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and create a choking hazard to your baby.

Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails and storage drawers. best cots for newborns of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. cots to tots to put together and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing up the cot as they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the type of cot mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.

Style

When buying for a child it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. But don't forget style. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it's important to find one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to match any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.


Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the benefit of being able 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 converted to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however the cost could be a concern for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay both at night and during the day It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure that your child is snug and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too tightly separated, your child could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not let your child lower it.

You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of cots or cot beds, but you can also check the retailer's website.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. Many popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to keep using it after the baby stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of a larger child for a longer time, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to use them until your child is older.

It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Check 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 all of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.

Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great in case you're running out of time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a classic look and comes in a range of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through three children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is a modular design which allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.