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 is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

This crib is the answer for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features which can create problems with the size of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.

There are cots available at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also worth shopping online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for a top-notch cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It is a great crib option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the routines of your infant.

Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's a great choice for small bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to put together.

Another budget-friendly cot 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 reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress heights, which will help 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 FSC certified and includes a mattress.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery but they have to be safe as well. Look for an cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.

If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Examine for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, because this can cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing a choking risk to your child.

Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's simple to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest recommended cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.

The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. You should look for a cot with at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing up the cot as they become mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. If you're buying a second-hand cot, it's worth getting a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When shopping for a child it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't overlook style. It is crucial to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with the furniture or interiors that you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to build even though it is in a flatpack with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able 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 to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its smooth oval finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers, but the price tag might be a problem for some.

A crib is a safe space for your Baby Crib to sleep both at night and during the day, but it's important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is snug and secure. If you choose a model that has bars that are too tightly separated, your child could become trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.

You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of the cot or bed, however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.

Convertibility

It is possible that your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. Many popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it long after the baby stage. These cost more because they are required to support a heavier child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you are planning to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.

A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress.

Some cots come with additional features like a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble, which is perfect if you are short on time or worried about putting it together. One of our mom test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless style and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents said hers had lasted through three kids.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to build it into various configurations. The Mini Cot Bed model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.