How to Choose the best cot bed Cots in the UK

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

If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the baby's womb.

Size

A good cot is the right size to provide your baby with space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they are around three years old. Some cots could have curves or other features that can alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.

There are many shops on the high streets where you can browse an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you're seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great option for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues and it can monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the routines of your baby.

Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their needs. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to set up.

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

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an essential part of your baby's nursery but they must be safe too. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.

If you're buying a used crib, be sure to check the age of it. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Examine for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that might fall off, creating the risk of choking your baby.

Some cots are equipped with additional features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's easy to assemble and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the easiest cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy, and has 3 adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.

The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. It is recommended to choose a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're planning to buy an entirely new cot, you might be interested in a mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's well 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. However, don't forget about style. It's important to choose the right cot for the nursery of your baby and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that made it a top pick with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to construct even though it is in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.

Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its quality design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a bit costly for some.

If you select a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model that has bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.

It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information 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

Some models are made to last for many years. Most popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you continue using it well beyond the baby stage. They cost more as they must support a heavier child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you intend to use them for a long time after your baby is developed.

It is essential to ensure that the cot you select 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 has no gaps in all of the sides. If it does not then you'll need to buy a separate bed mattress.

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

Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is an elegant design and comes with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot by the addition a footboard. It is available in different sizes that will fit your room. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through three children.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to build it into various configurations. The Mini Cot Bed model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.