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. It is also kept tidy with a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.

If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It makes soft sounds that sound like the 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 mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. Some cots could have curving edges or other features that can affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore essential to verify your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are cots available at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also worth shopping online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing difficulties and it can track their sleep cycles and help you understand the routines of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features a removable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions which means you can alter the height of your child's bed as they expand. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to set up.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.

Safety

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

If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers as these can peel off and present the risk of choking your child.

Some cots have additional 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 stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots available to convert into the toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep in order to stop your child from escaping when they start to increase their mobility. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options available from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, it's worth getting an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby, but don't forget about the design. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that are perfect for any furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot could be. Baby Cot in the under-bed was an added feature that earned it high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labeled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi 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 reaches the age of five, after which you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed by its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a bit expensive for some.

If you select the model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism operates efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are not properly separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.

If you are buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the product description or on their website, however if you have any concerns you should speak to the seller to confirm.


Convertibility

It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. Many popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it well beyond the baby stage. They are more expensive because they must support a heavier child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.

A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it isn't then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as rails for teething. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great if you're short on time or are worried about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mom testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless design and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will fit your space. One of our test subjects said hers lasted 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 however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child grows older, you can then upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.