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 addition to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails help keep it tidy too.

This crib with smart technology could be the solution for your fussy baby. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is of high quality is the ideal 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. Some cots may have curved edges or other features that could impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can check out the wide selection of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues, and it can even track their sleep cycles to aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your baby.


Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made of solid beech and has a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the level of your child's bed as they expand. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. best cots for newborns was also easy to set up.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress heights, which allow you to reach your child easily and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Check for signs that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where children might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that could fall off, creating an choking risk for your baby.

Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to assemble and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery tidy, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.

The depth of the cot is a further important consideration. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping as they become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're considering buying a new cot you might think about a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's worth the investment for peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby, but don't forget about style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with the furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates 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, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the benefit of being able to grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can convert it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a little too pricey for some.

If you choose an item with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too closely separated, your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.

You should also be sure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will have this information in the product description or on their website, however should you have any questions, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are made to do that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it past 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 use them until your baby is older.

It is crucial to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and check that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will need to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots have extra features, such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together. cots to tots , for example was rated by one our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your space. One of our test parents stated that it lasted for three kids.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into an infant's bed. When your child grows older, you can then upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.