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. It is also kept tidy with a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.

If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It makes soothing sounds that mimic a mother's womb.

Size

A good cot is the perfect size to allow your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they reach three years of age. Certain cots might have curves or other features that can affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are many shops on the high streets that offer a wide range of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online cots.

If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating 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's perfect for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's habits.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the size of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to construct.

Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding the footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery however, they must be safe too. Look for a cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

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

Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that are adjustable which means you can make it suitable for your growing child.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're planning to buy a new cot, then you might want to consider a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. If you're buying an older cot, it's worth getting a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when buying for a baby, but don't forget about style. A cot will be used for a long period of time, so it's crucial to choose one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed was a nice feature that earned it high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.

Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that is 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, when you can convert it into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed with its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a bit expensive for some.

If you choose the model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke, and you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively and isn't easily removed by your child.

If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, make sure it complies with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, but if you have any concerns it's a good cribs idea to speak with the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

Some models are built to last for many years. The most well-known converts into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it well past the infant stage. These cost more because they have to support a heavier child for longer. However they are a great investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your Baby beds is developed.

It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it is not then you'll have to purchase a new mattress for your bed.

Some cots come with extra features like teething rails that can help to save space and make parenting life simpler. Others are easy to assemble, which is perfect if you are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together. One of our mum test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic style and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It comes in different sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through three kids.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then into a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.