How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is elegant and Cots4Tots sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it neat too.

This crib is the answer for your child who is fussy. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the sound of a mother's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they reach around three years of age. Certain cots might have curves or other features that can alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.

There are a lot of shops on the high streets where you can browse the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.

If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems and can also track their sleep cycles and help you understand the habits of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the height of your child's bed as they expand. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to assemble.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth up until your child is four. It comes with three mattress heights, which allow you reach your baby easily, and can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

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

If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint could contain lead which is harmful to babies. Check for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, as this may cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that could peel off, posing a choking risk to your baby.

Some cots have extra features such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's easy to put together, and the 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 comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from escaping when they start to become more mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you might also think about a cot mattress protector to safeguard against stains or spills. If you're buying an older cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.

Style

When shopping for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget the style. A cot will be used for a long time, so it's important to find one that is suitable for the room of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. The under-bed storage drawer was a nice feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.

Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however, the price could be a concern for some.

If you choose the model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke, and you must also ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily lowered by your child.

You should also be sure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, however If you are concerned you should speak to the seller to ensure.

Convertibility

Certain models are designed to last for a long time. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the baby stage. These are more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for the money if you plan to keep using them after your baby is older.

It's important to make sure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it isn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress.

Some cots come with extra features like storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help you reduce space and make parenting experience easier. Some are simple to put together which is ideal for those who are short on time or worried about putting it together. One of our mom testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.

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

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.