How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent addition to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

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

Size

A cot that is of high quality is the ideal size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they are around three years of age. However, some cots offers have curving corners or other features which can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.

There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can browse the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.

If you're looking for the best crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and can also track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the routines of your infant.

Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area as they expand. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth up until your child is four. It has three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's however, they must be secure too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.

If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to check the age of the cot. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and pose the risk of choking your baby cot online.

Some cots have additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's really easy to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots to transform into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing child.

The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth in order to stop your child from climbing out as they become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses that include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook the style. It is essential to select a cot that matches the nursery of your baby cots on sale and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labeled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the functionality of being able to grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, after which you can convert it into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however, the price could be a concern 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 follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke. you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively and isn't easily removed by your child.

If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, be sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on 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 a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to use them until your baby is older.

It is crucial to ensure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it isn't you'll have to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots are also equipped with extra features such as a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple put together, which is great in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has a modular design which allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition a side it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. Once your child grows older, you can upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.