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's also neat by having a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.

If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size balances giving your baby room to grow and not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they reach three years old. Some cots could have curves or other features that may alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to check the cot's footprint prior buying.

There are plenty of retailers on the high street that offer the wide selection of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a better feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.

If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's habits.

Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the height of your child's bed as they increase in height. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings and our panel found it simple to assemble.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings 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 the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.

Safety

cots 4 tots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby However, they must be safe. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.

If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Check for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands since this could cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might fall off, creating a choking risk to your child.

Some cots have additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it for your growing baby.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm, as this will prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out available from foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy a new cot, then you might want to consider a cot beds for sale mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get caught up on safety and spec when buying for a baby but remember to think about style. 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. 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 is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this small cot beds bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is simple to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.

Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality 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 older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our test subjects were awed by its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a little too pricey for some.

A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay during the day and night It is important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them closely to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and isn't easily removed by your child.

If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots 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 ensure.

Convertibility

It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The majority of popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to keep using it after the cheap baby cots stage. They tend to be more expensive because they have to support the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to use them until your child is older.

A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby 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 webpage to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps on all sides. If it isn't you'll have to purchase a new mattress.

Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails, which can help save space and make your parenting experience easier. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal if you are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and images.

Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes with a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents said it lasted for three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.