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. A drawer as well as an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails help keep it tidy too.

If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the sound of a baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is of high quality is the perfect size to allow your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for infants up to three years old. Some cots could have curved edges or other features that could impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are a lot of shops on the high streets where you can browse the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. You can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.

If you're looking for the best cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby to get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing difficulties and can also track their sleep cycles, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has a removable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress options that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery but they must be safe too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.

If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where children may rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers as these can peel off and visit Shtormtruck`s official website pose the risk of choking your child.

Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's easy to put together and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted which means you can use it to accommodate your growing child.

The depth of the cot is another important consideration. It is recommended to choose a cot with at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot when they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out available from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand 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 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 design. A cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds for sale beds come in different colourways 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 fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed was a nice 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 stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to build, even though it comes in a flatpack, complete with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the functionality of being able grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child is five, after which you can convert it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers, but the price tag might be a problem for some.

If you select the model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. you must also ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and effectively and isn't easily lifted by your child.

It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top rated cots of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, but If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.

Convertibility

It is possible that your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it past the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of a larger child for a longer time, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your child is older.

A cot is among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check 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'll have to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots are also equipped with extra features like a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help save space and make your parenting experience simpler. Some cots are easy to put together, which is great in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. One of our mum test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It comes in various sizes that will fit your room. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through three children.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini cot beds model can be used from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. Once your child is older you can make the switch to a junior bed. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.