How to Choose the best cots uk 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 by having a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is suitable for your child is the right size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they are around three years of age. However, some cots have curving corners or other features which can result in issues with the size of a mattress, so it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you buy.

There are plenty of retailers on the high street that offer a wide range of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.

If you're looking for the best crib for newborn crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's habits.

Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their needs. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to set up.

Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress heights, that will allow you to easily reach your baby, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe too. Find an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint may 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 because this can cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may fall off, creating a choking risk to your baby.

Some cots to tots have additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, 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 easy to put together tots and cots the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.

Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out when they begin to increase their mobility. It is also important to consider the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are a myriad of options available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying an entirely new cot, you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's well worth the investment to have peace of mind.

Style

When buying for a child, it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. However, don't forget about style. It's important to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that are perfect for the furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to put together even though it is in a flatpack with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.

Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, after which you can transform it into a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our testers, but the price tag could be a concern for some.

If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you select a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not let your child lower it.

You should also be sure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of the cot or bed, but you may also check the retailer's website.

Convertibility

Some models are made to last for a long time. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use them past the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to use them until your child is older.

A cot is among the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it meets strict 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's fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to buy a separate bed mattress.

Some cots also come with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails that can help to save space and make your life as a parent easier. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together by yourself. One of our mom test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic look and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your space, and one of our test parents stated that hers had lasted through three children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is a modular design which allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini cotbed model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of a side it can be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child is older you can then upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.