How to Choose the Best Cots uk Cots in the UK

With its sleek minimalist design and warm oak finish this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.

This crib is the solution for your child who is fussy. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size balances giving your baby the space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most infants until they are around three years of age. However, some cots have curved corners or other features that can create problems with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.

There are many stores on the high street where you can browse an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating 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 perfect 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 option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made out of solid beech, and comes with a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the height of your child's bed as they grow. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, and our panel found it easy to put together.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. 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 allow you to reach your child easily and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

Cots and cots are vital for your baby's nursery However, they must be safe. Find a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.

If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where children could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that could be removed, posing a choking risk to your child.

Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots on the market to transform into the toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted, so you can use it for your growing child.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot when they become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, it's worth getting an expert to check the safety of the Cot Bed and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when buying for a baby but remember to think about the style. A cot will be used for a long time so it's important to find one that suits the room of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and stylish. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.

Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, when it can be converted to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our testers however the cost may be a hindrance for some.

A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest both at night and during the day however it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are not properly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.

If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, be sure it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top rated cots. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, but should you have any questions, it's worth speaking to the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

Certain models are designed to last for an extended period of time. Most popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you keep using it after the baby stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer time, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to use them until your child is older.

It is essential to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in any of the sides. If it does not then you'll have to purchase a separate bed mattress.

Some cots are equipped with additional features like a storage drawer or teething rails. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is great if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. One of our mum testers best rated cribs the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.

The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic look and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made a toddler bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has an open design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into a toddler's bed. If your child is older you can upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.