How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK


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

If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It makes soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most babies until they reach around three years old. Some cots could have curves or other features that could impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.

You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can return the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.

If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies with breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's habits.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This minimalist cot is constructed of solid beech and has a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the height of your child's bed as they grow. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings, and our panel found it simple to assemble.

The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding a footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby However, they must be safe. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.

If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child may rub their hands because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and create the risk of choking your child.

Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.

cot sets is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth in order to stop your child from escaping when they start to grow more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're planning to buy a new cot you might be interested in a mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's worth it to have peace of mind.

Style

When shopping for a child it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget the style. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack, with labelled parts and simple instructions.

Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, at which point it can be converted into a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval finish and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.

A crib is a safe space for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day however it is essential that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you choose a cot with bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.

It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, but If you are concerned you should speak to the retailer to be certain.

Convertibility

Certain models are designed to last for a long time. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive because they have to support the weight of a larger child for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to use them until your child is older.

It's important to make sure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure the base is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it is not then you'll need to purchase a new mattress for your bed.

Some cots also come with extra features such as storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help you save space and make your parenting life easier. Others are easy to assemble and are ideal if you are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together. One of our mum testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic look and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents reported that hers had lasted through three children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with an open design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to a junior bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.