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. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it neat and tidy.

This smart crib could be the solution for your child who is fussy. It makes soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow and not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for babies between three and four years old. Certain cots might have curved edges or other features that may affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.

There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your needs. You can also get a feel about the size 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 cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby to get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and can also monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the habits of your Baby Cot Bed.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's bed as they increase in height. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to set up.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth up until your child is four. It has three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.

Safety

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

If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly on the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and create a choking hazard to your baby.

Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots to transform into the 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 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 the cot when they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're considering buying a new cot, then you might want to consider a cot mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. If you're purchasing an older cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when buying for a baby, but don't forget about the style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors 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 wonderful example of how stylish a cot could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.

Another alternative for a stylish cot is the 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 turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.

If you select a model with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily dropped by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke, and you should also check that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively, and can't be easily lowered by your child.

If you are buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you can also check the website of the seller.

Convertibility

Some models are made to last for an extended period of time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use them beyond the best infant cribs stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support a heavier child for a longer time. However, they are a great investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby has developed.

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

Some best cots for newborns come with extra features like storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help save space and make your 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. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mom testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and images.

The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot by the addition a footboard. It is available in a variety of sizes that will suit your space. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through three children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is an modular design that allows it to be expanded 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 to a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.