How to Choose the best cots for newborns Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a wonderful accessory to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails help keep it tidy too.

This smart crib could be the answer for your fussy baby. It responds to their cry with soft sounds that mimic the mother's womb.

Size

A cot that is of high quality is the right size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cheap cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features that can result in issues with the size of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.

There are cots available at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can return a cot that isn't suitable for 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 seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot will monitor 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 used in any best crib for newborn or cot. It's a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing difficulties, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the routines of your little one.

Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the height of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's a great choice for small 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's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, but they must be safe too. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands since this could cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing the risk of choking your child.

Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.

The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out as they grow more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of cot mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to shield the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, it's worth getting an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100 however it's worthwhile for peace of mind.

Style

When buying for a child it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget style. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it is essential to choose one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that look great with any furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the benefit of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, at which point it can be converted to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Our test subjects were awed by its quality design and smooth oval shape but it may be a little too pricey for some.

If you choose a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are not properly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. You should also make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.

If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, but If you are concerned it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

Some models are made to last for a long time. The most well-known converts into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use them beyond the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support a heavier child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to use them long after your baby has developed.

A cot is among the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't, you will need to purchase a new mattress.

Some cots have extra features, such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble, which is perfect when you're not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It comes in various sizes that will suit your space. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through three kids.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.