How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot sets is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. It's also tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.

This smart crib could be the answer for your fussy baby. It makes soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most recommended cribs infants until they are around three years of age. Some cots may have curving edges or other features that could affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.

There are plenty of shops on the high streets where you can check out a wide range of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return any cot that isn't what you want. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's routines.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases that allows you to alter the size of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's a great choice for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to put together.

The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth up until your child is four. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be safe too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. 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 buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, since this could cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and present a choking hazard to your child.

Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's simple to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from escaping as they grow more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses that include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a Baby Crib but don't forget about the design. A cot will be used for a long period of time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs to complement any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The under-bed storage drawer was a nice feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to put together even though it is in a flatpack with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the benefit of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child turns five years old. old, when it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.

If you choose a model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily lowered by your child.

If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of the cot or bed, but you can also check the website of the seller.

Convertibility

It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. Many popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive because they have to support the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for money if you intend 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 the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.

Some cots have extra features, such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.

The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It is available in various sizes that will fit your room. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for three children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has an modular design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. When your child grows older, you can upgrade to a junior bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.