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. A drawer as well as an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails 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 a baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size balances giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to fit most babies until they reach around three years of age. However, some cots come with curves or other features which can cause issues with the fit of a mattress. Therefore, it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.

You can find cots at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic 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 is designed to aid your baby's journey to a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing difficulties, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the routines of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the size of your child's bed as they grow. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to put together.

Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby cot online - more info,. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding the footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby's, but they must also be secure. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress, and not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, since this could cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that may peel off, posing the risk of choking your child.

Some cots have additional features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots to transform into the toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three adjustable heights that allow you to make it suitable for your growing child.

Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should choose an cot that has a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out available from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot, then you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when shopping for a baby but remember to think about style. It is essential to select a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and stylish. The cot is simple to put together, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.

Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a little too pricey for some.

A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day, but it's important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily removed by your child.

If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it complies with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, however should you have any questions, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.

Convertibility

Some models are built to last for a long time. The majority of popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they are required to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to use them long after your baby has developed.

It's important to make sure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots have additional features such as a storage drawer or teething rails. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some are simple to put together which is ideal for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mom testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot for sale. It can then be converted into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it into different configurations. The Mini Cot Bed model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.