How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

With its sleek minimalist design and warm oak finish, this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails help keep it tidy too.

This crib with smart technology could be the solution for your fussy baby. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.

Size

A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most infants until they reach three years old. Some cots may have curved edges or other features that may affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.

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

If you're looking for a top-notch cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby to get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's habits.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It has a range of mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery but they have to be safe as well. Look for a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should also have a solid flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you are buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which is harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly on the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and pose a choking hazard to your baby.

Some cots come with additional features like teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's simple to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted that allow you to make it suitable for your growing baby.

The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth in order to stop your child from escaping when they start to become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's worth the investment for peace of mind.


Style

When shopping for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds are available in different colourways and designs that are perfect for any nursery furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that earned it high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.

Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, at which point you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our testers however the cost may be a hindrance for some.

If you select the model with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily removed by your child.

You should also ensure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, however if you have any concerns you should speak to the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to accomplish that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use it well past the infant stage. These are more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of the larger child for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent 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 is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it isn't you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots also come with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make parenting life easier. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal if you're short on time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. online cots comes with three adjustable mattress height positions and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It comes in different sizes that will suit your room. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for 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 can be used from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into an infant's bed. When your child is older you can then upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.