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 tidy by having a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

This crib with smart technology could be the solution to soothe your baby who is a bit fussy. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the sound of a baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size balances giving your baby the space to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for infants up to three years old. Some cots may have curved edges or other features that may alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are cots available at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. You can also get a better feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.

If you're looking for a top rated cots-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's routines.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It has a range of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to put together.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress height settings which allow you easily reach your baby and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding a footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe as well. Look for a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.

If you are buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers because they can come off and create a choking hazard to your child.

Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into the toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights, so you can make it suitable for your growing child.

Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out when they begin to grow more mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots to tots which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You might also consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's worth the investment to have 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 design. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was an added feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to put together and was delivered in a flatpack, complete with labelled parts and simple instructions.

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

A crib is a safe space for your baby to rest both at night and during the day, but it's important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child.

If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the product description or on their website, but if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to 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 that allow you to use it past the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to use them until your baby cots on sale is older.

It is essential to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is fully slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't you'll have to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots are equipped with additional features like a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. One of our mum testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic look and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by removing one side of the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It comes in different sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through three children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is an open design that 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 it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.