How to Choose the Best 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 by having a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they reach three years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that may affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to check the cot's footprint prior to purchasing.

You can find affordable cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your needs. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for the Best cot for newborn crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby to get a good 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 help you understand the routines of your little one.

Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it simple to assemble.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a range 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 comes with three mattress height settings which will help you to reach your baby easily, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot cribs beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, but they must be secure too. Look for a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly on the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and pose a choking hazard to your baby.

Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple 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 are adjustable that allow you to make it suitable for your growing baby.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out when they start to increase their mobility. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're planning to buy a new cot, then you might also think about a cot mattress protector to safeguard against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.

Style

When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. But don't forget the style. A cot will be used for a long time, so it's important to find one that matches your baby's room and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors 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 great illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was an added feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish, functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the practicality of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child is five, when it can be converted into a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.

A Best cot for newborn is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night however it is essential that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you select a model with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke. you must also ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and reliably and isn't easily lowered by your child.

It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of cots or cot beds, but you can also check the website of the seller.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they must support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to use them for a long time after your baby has developed.

A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it is not then you'll have to purchase a separate bed mattress.

Some cots come with additional features such as rails for teething. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect for those who are 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 our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out 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 it lasted for three children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has a modular design which 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 converted into the bed of a toddler. If your child grows older, you can make the switch to the junior bed. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.