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 keep it tidy too.

This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your baby who is a bit fussy. It makes soothing sounds that resemble the womb.

Size

A good cot is the perfect size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features which can cause issues with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.

There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.

If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems, and it can even track their sleep cycles to help you understand the habits of your infant.

Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.

The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings which allow you to reach your baby easily and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.

Safety

affordable cots and cots are vital for your baby's nursery However, they must be safe. Find a cot that is certified to meet the British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended cribs by the Lullaby Trust.

If you are buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Check for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child may rub their hands since this could cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that could be removed, posing the risk of choking your child.

Some cots have extra features like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots available to transform into the toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery tidy and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.

The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. It is recommended to choose an cot that has a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing the cot as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of cot mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options available from foam and spring interiors to 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 an entirely new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about style. A cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to construct and was delivered in a flatpack, with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, at which point it can be converted to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.

A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep during the day and night however it is essential that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and isn't easily lifted by your child.

You should also ensure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds but you may also check the retailer's website.

Convertibility

Some models are made to last for a long time. The most well-known converts into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your baby cot online (nativ.media`s recent blog post) is older.

It is crucial to ensure that the cot bed sales you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in any of the sides. If it does not then you'll have to purchase a new mattress for your bed.

Some cots have additional features like teething rails. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is great if you're short on time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mum testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.

The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a range of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be made a toddler bed by removing the side, and then it can be converted to 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 had lasted through three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and then into a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.