How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

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

If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the sound of a womb.

Size

A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curves or other features that could result in issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.

There are many retailers on the high street where you can browse the wide selection of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can return the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. 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 appear in your nursery.

If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. 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 get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues, and it can even track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the routines of your baby.

Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings and our panel found it simple to assemble.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings, which will help you to reach your child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.

Safety

Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby however, they must be secure. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. 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're purchasing a used crib, be sure to verify the date of purchase. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly around the sides, where children might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that could peel off, posing a choking risk to your child.

Some cots have extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's simple to put together and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the easiest cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable which means you can use it for your growing child.

The depth of the cot is a further important consideration. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping when they begin to increase their mobility. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're considering buying a new cot you might be interested in a mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. cots to tots 's usually about PS100 but it's worth the investment to have peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when buying for a baby but remember to think about the design. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that look great with the furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel, while 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 easy to build, even though it comes in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the benefit of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years old, when it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Its smooth oval finish and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however, the price may be a hindrance for some.


If you select a model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a cot with bars that are not properly separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.

It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of the cot or bed, but you can also check the retailer's website.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it well past the infant stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to keep them in use long after your baby has grown.

It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it is not then you'll need to buy a separate bed mattress.

Some cots also come with extra features such as teething rails, which can help reduce space and make your parenting experience easier. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together by yourself. One of our mum test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents said hers had lasted through three kids.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child grows older, you can upgrade to a junior bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and smooth oval shape.