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 a wonderful accessory to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it neat too.

This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to provide your Baby Cot with room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most babies until they reach three years of age. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features that could result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, so it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you purchase.

You can find cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will 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 cots uk crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It's a great choice for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing difficulties, and it can even track their sleep cycles and aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalistic cot is made out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it simple to assemble.

The Elementary cot sales, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress heights, which allow you easily reach your baby and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot sale is FSC certified and includes a mattress.

Safety

Cots and cot beds (try this website) are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe as well. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to verify the date of purchase. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Check for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, since this could cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and pose an choking risk to your child.

Some cots have extra features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots to convert into an infant bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.

Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep in order to stop your child from escaping as they increase their mobility. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying an entirely new cot, you might be interested in a mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's worth it for peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when buying for a baby, but don't forget about the style. It is essential to select a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to construct even though it is in a flatpack, with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.

Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years old. older, at which point it can be transformed to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and quality construction impressed our testers however, the price may be a hindrance for some.

If you select the model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and reliably and isn't easily removed by your child.

If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, but if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.

Convertibility

You might want your cot to last for a long time and some models are made to do that. Many popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child 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 essential to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it is not then you'll have to buy a separate bed mattress.

Some cots have extra features, such as a storage drawer or teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are worried about putting them together yourself. One of our mom testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.

The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic style and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is an open design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to a junior bed. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.