How to Choose the best Baby Cots 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 crib with smart technology could be the solution for your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size balances giving your baby room to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to fit most babies until they reach three years of age. However, some cots come with curves or other features that can cause issues with the fitting of a mattress, so it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.

There are cots available at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return any cot that isn't what you want. You can also get a better feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.

If you're looking for the Best cot for newborn crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your Baby beds to get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you know your child's behavior.

Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the height of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings, and our panel found it simple to assemble.

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 until the time your child is four. It has three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be secure too. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.

If you're buying a used cot, be sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and pose the risk of choking your child.

Certain cots are equipped with extra features such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to assemble, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also has an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from escaping as they increase their mobility. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100 however it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When you're shopping for a Baby Cot Bed it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the style. It is crucial to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to put together even though it is in a flatpack, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable 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 from birth until the time your child is five, at which point it can be converted to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed with its quality construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.

If you choose a model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism operates efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a cot with bars that are not properly separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.

If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, be sure it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, but if you have any concerns you should speak to the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are made to do that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use it well beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer time, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your baby has grown.

A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it isn't, you will need to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots also come with additional features, such as teething rails that can help save space and make your parenting experience simpler. Some are simple to put together, 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 best rated cribs by one our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents stated that 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 can be used from birth, but with the addition a side it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. If your child is older you can upgrade to the junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.