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 a great accessory to any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.

If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.

Size

A good cot is the ideal size to allow your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for infants up to three years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features which can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is important to check your cot's footprint before you purchase.

There are plenty of retailers on the high street that offer an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return a cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you're seeking a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot monitors the 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 placed in any cot or crib. It's a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing problems, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the routines of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the level of your child's sleeping area as they expand. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to construct.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range 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. best cot newborn can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding a footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

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

If you're purchasing a used crib, be sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, particularly around the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and create the risk of choking your baby.

Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's easy to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.

The depth of the cot is a further important factor to consider. You should choose the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're considering buying an entirely new cot, you may want to consider a cot mattress protector to safeguard against stains or spills. If you're buying an older cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get caught up on safety and spec when buying for a baby but remember to think about the design. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to match the furniture and interiors of your nursery you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.

Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. old, when it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a bit costly for some.


A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night It is important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby is snug and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child.

You should also ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.

Convertibility

It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to accomplish that. Many popular cots can be transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it long after the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of a larger child for a longer period, however they can be a great value for the money if you plan to keep using them after your baby has grown.

It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots are also equipped with extra features like a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make your parenting experience easier. Some are simple to put together which is ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. One of our mom test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. cots to tots is available in various sizes that will suit your room. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through 3 children.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. When your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.