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 addition to any nursery. It is also kept tidy by having a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your baby who is a bit fussy. It makes soft sounds that sound like the sound of a baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to provide your baby with room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots have curved corners or other features that can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, so it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.

There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can check out the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return a cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking 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 crib or cot. It is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing problems, and it can even track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the habits of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that transforms 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 also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to construct.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. 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 has three mattress height settings, which will help you reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.

Safety

Cots and cots are vital for your baby's nursery however, they must be secure. Look for a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.


If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that may be removed, posing an choking risk for your baby.

Some cots come with extra features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. " best crib newborn 's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots available to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing out when they start to increase their mobility. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing an older cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget the design. It is essential to select the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors 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 shows how stylish a crib could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.

Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a bit expensive for some.

A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to lay during the day and night, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby is snug and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently and cannot be easily lifted by your child.

You should also be sure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you can also check the website of the seller.

Convertibility

Some models are made to last for an extended period of time. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive because they have to 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 continue using them once 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, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.

Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as a storage drawer or teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together yourself. One of our mom test subjects gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three kids.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and smooth oval shape.