How to Choose the best cots uk Cots in the UK

With its sleek minimalist design and warm oak finish, this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it neat and tidy.

This smart crib could be the answer for your Baby Crib who is a bit fussy. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size is a compromise between providing your baby with space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach three years old. Some cots could have curves or other features that can affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are many shops on the high streets where you can browse a wide range of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can return a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. You can also get a better feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.

If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you know your child's behavior.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made 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 that allows you to alter the level of your child's bed as they expand. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope Our panel found it easy to construct.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, which will help you reach your baby easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe as well. Choose a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended cribs.

If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may fall off, creating a choking risk to your baby.

Some cots come with additional features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's easy to put together and the 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 has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights, so you can make it suitable for your growing baby.

The depth of the cot is another important consideration. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping as they increase their mobility. It is also worth thinking about the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When shopping for a child it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't forget the style. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it is essential to choose one that suits the room of your baby and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that are perfect for the furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. The under-bed storage drawer was a nice feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and stylish. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.

Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child is five, at which point you can transform it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price could be a concern for some.

A crib is a safe space for your baby to sleep during the day and night however it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a cot that has bars that are too closely separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.

You should also ensure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns you should speak to the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

You may want your best cot bed to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your baby is older.

A cot is also one of the most important purchases you will make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is fully slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it does not, you will need to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots have additional features such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. One of our mum testers has rated 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 has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It is available in different sizes that will fit your room. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through three kids.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.