How to Choose the best cots uk cots and tots in the UK

With its sleek, minimalist design and warm oak finish this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it tidy too.

This crib with smart technology could be the solution for your fussy baby. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.

Size

A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK size for best cots for newborns is 70cm by 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most babies until they reach three years of age. Certain cots might have curved edges or other features that could impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.

You can find cots at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.

If you're seeking a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot monitors 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 to get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies with breathing difficulties, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the habits of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their needs. It's also a good option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, and our panel found it easy to put together.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until your child is four. It has three mattress options that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding 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. Look for a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should also have a solid flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you're purchasing a used cot, make sure to determine the age of the cot. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that could fall off, creating a choking risk to your child.

Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also has an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.

The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. You should choose an cot that has a minimum depth of 50cm, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're planning to buy a new cot, then you might think about a cot mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. This will cost you around PS100, but it is well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When buying for a child it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook the style. It is essential to select the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots to tots and beds are available in different colours and designs to complement any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that earned it high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and stylish. The cot is simple to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the functionality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, after which you can convert it into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and quality construction impressed our testers, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.

A crib is a safe space for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night however it is essential that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model that has bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. You should also be sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.

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

Convertibility

Some models are made to last for an extended period of time. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use it well past the infant stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your baby is older.

A cot is also one of the most important purchases you will make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps in any of the sides. If it does not, you will need to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots come with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. One of our mom test subjects gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents said hers lasted through three kids.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms 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 for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.