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

If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features which can result in issues with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you purchase.

There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you are looking for a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their needs. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to construct.

The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are vital for your baby's nursery however, they must be secure. Choose an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you are purchasing a second-hand crib, be sure to check the age of it. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Look for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child may rub their hands as this may cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing the risk of choking your baby.

Some cots come with additional features like teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots to transform into the toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable which means you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.

The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. You should choose a cot with at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your 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 remember to think about style. A cot is going to be used for a long period of time, so it's crucial to choose one that suits your cheap Baby cots's room as well as your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to complement any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the practicality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot for sale from birth or until your child is five, after which you can transform it into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a bit expensive for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay during the day and night, but it's important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them closely to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you select a cot that has bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also be sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.

It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, however If you are concerned it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

Certain models are designed to last for an extended period of time. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it well beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of the larger child for a longer time, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to use them until your Baby Cot is older.

It's important to make sure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in any of the sides. If it is not, you will have to purchase a separate bed mattress.

Some cots are equipped with additional features such as rails for teething. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mum test subjects gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.

Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents said hers had lasted through three kids.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and it can be converted it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and smooth oval shape.