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 plastic strip on the top rails help keep it tidy too.

This crib is the solution for your fussy baby. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.

Size

A good cot is the perfect size to provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most babies until they reach around three years old. However, some affordable cots feature curved corners or other features which can create problems with the size of a mattress, therefore it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.

There are many shops on the high streets where you can check out an array of affordable cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's habits.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has a removable panel that transforms it 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 set up.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

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

If you're buying a used cot, make sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Look for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands since this could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and pose an choking risk to your baby Cots online.

Some cots have extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also has an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are a myriad of options available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you may be interested in a mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's well worth it for peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get caught up with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about the design. A cot is going to be used for a long period of time, so it's crucial to choose one that matches your baby's room and your decor. Many affordable cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to construct even though it is in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.

Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot sets or until your child turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price could be a concern for some.

A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep during the day and night however it is essential to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly 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, and you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child.

If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are made to do that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use them beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your baby has grown.

It's important to make sure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots come with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mom testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents said hers lasted through three kids.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini cot beds model can be used from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. If your child is older you can then upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.