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. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it neat too.

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

Size

A good cot sales size balances giving your baby the space to grow and not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they reach around three years old. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features that could result in issues with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you purchase.

There are cots available at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.

If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's routines.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their needs. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to set up.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress options that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding a footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe. Choose an cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended cribs.

If you're buying a used crib, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint is toxic for babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that might fall off, creating the risk of choking your child.

Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery tidy and also has three adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.

Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing up the cot when they become more mobile. It is also important to consider 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. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you might want to consider a cot mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's well worth it for peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get caught up on safety and spec when shopping for a baby but don't forget about the style. A cot will be in use for a long time so it's crucial to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. There are plenty of cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with the furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a best crib for newborn can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, 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 right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, when you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a little too pricey for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day, but it's important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. If you select a best cot beds with bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could become 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 be sure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of the cot or bed, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant stage. They are more expensive because they have to support a heavier child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.

It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will have to purchase a new mattress for your bed.

Some cots come with additional features such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it together. One of our mum test subjects gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.

Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has an open design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into a toddler's bed. Once your child grows older, you can then upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.