How to Choose the best crib 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 and an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails help keep it neat too.

This smart crib could be the answer for your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a womb.

Size

A cot that is of high quality is the perfect size to allow your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach three years old. Some cots may have curving edges or other features that can alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to check the cot's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are plenty of shops on the high streets where you can check out a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return a cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.

If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out 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 a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.

Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot beds is made out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the size of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable 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 child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding the footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are crucial for your baby's nursery However, they must be safe. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.

If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to determine the date of purchase. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and create a choking hazard to your child.

Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into a toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out as they increase their mobility. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses that include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you might also think about a cot mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's well worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about the style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches your baby Cot Online's nursery and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to match any nursery furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the functionality of being able to grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, after which it can be converted to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a little too pricey for some.

If you choose an item with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot that has bars that are too closely separated, your baby 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.

If you're buying an cot that converts to a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot cribs beds but you can also check the retailer's website.

Convertibility

Some models are made to last for an extended period of time. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of the larger child for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your baby has grown.

A cot is among the most important purchases you will 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 also make sure that it has a base that's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in any of the sides. If it does not then you'll have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.

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

The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless design and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be made 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 range of sizes to fit your space, 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 expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and it can be converted it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.