How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it neat and tidy.

If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.

Size

A good cot is the right size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm by 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most infants until they are around three years of age. Some cots may have curved edges or other features that may impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are cots available at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return any cot that does not meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.

If you are looking for a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking 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 cot or crib. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you know your child's behavior.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalist cot is constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the size of your child's sleeping space as they expand. best infant cribs 's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to put together.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until your child is four. It has three mattress heights, that will allow you reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

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

If you're buying a used crib, be sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, particularly around the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that might peel off, posing an choking risk for your child.

Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots available to transform into an infant bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing baby.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from escaping when they begin to become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses, including spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.

Style

When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the design. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in various colors and designs that can be matched to the furniture and interiors of your nursery you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed was a feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and stylish. The cot is simple 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 stylish, functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the benefit of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its quality design and smooth oval shape but it may be a bit expensive for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay both at night and during the day however it is essential to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you choose a cot that has bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may be trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.


If you're buying an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the product description of the cot or bed, but you may also check the website of the seller.

Convertibility

Some models are built to last for a long time. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use them beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive because they have to support the weight of the larger child for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your baby is older.

It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a new mattress.

Some cots are equipped with additional features like a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together. One of our mum test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic design and comes in a range of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress heights and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It comes in different sizes that will fit your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is an open design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini 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. It's also a top choice for aesthetics with our panel-loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.