How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a wonderful accessory to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails help keep it tidy too.

This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It makes soothing sounds that resemble the 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 should accommodate most infants up to three years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features which can cause issues with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.

There are plenty of retailers on the high street that offer an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot monitors the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great choice for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues and it can track their sleep cycles and help you understand the routines of your baby.


Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed of solid beech and has a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the height of your child's bed as they grow. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.

best cots , from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety 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 has three mattress height settings which allow you reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

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

If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly on the sides, where children could rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and create an choking risk to your baby.

Some cots come with extra features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's easy to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.

Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out when they start to become more mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, but it is worth it for peace of mind.

Style

When buying for a child it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about style. A cot will 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 cot beds are available in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with any furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to build and was delivered in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.

Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Its sleek oval design and quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price could be a concern for some.

A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night, but it's important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are not properly separated, your child could get trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.

If you are buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.

Convertibility

Certain models are designed to last for an extended period of time. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it long after the infant stage. These cost more because they must support the weight of a child for a longer time. However, they are a great investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.

A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure it is in compliance with the strict 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's fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it isn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress.

Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it together. One of our mom testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.

The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with an modular design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.