How to Choose the best Baby cots 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 will help keep it neat too.

If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.

Size

A cot that is of high quality is the ideal size to provide your baby with room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that can impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.

You can find cots at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.

If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues and can also track their sleep cycles, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your infant.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it easy to construct.

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 the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings which will help you easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cheap cots are essential for your baby's nursery, but they must also be safe. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.

If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly on the sides, where children could rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that may fall off, creating an choking risk for your baby.

Some cots come with additional features like teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's easy to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.

The depth of the cot is a further important factor to consider. It is recommended to choose the cheap cot bed to have at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you might be interested in a mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about the style. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it's important to find one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors that you select 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 nice feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to build and was delivered in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able grow with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its sleek oval design and quality construction impressed our test subjects however the cost could be a concern for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep during the day and night It is important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. You should also make sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.

It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, however should you have any questions you should speak to the seller to ensure.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. The majority of popular cots can be converted into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you continue using it long after the baby stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for money if you intend to use them until your child is older.

A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't you'll have to purchase a new mattress.

Some cots come with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal when you're not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents said hers lasted through three kids.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition the side, it could be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child grows older, you can then upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.