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's also tidy by having a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that mimic a mother's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they are around three years old. However, some cots come with curves or other features which can cause issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.

There are plenty of shops on the high streets where you can check out a wide range of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. It's also worth shopping online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.

If you're looking for the best cots uk (Discover More Here) cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's habits.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. This minimalist cot is constructed of solid beech and has a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the level of your child's bed as they increase in height. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to assemble.

The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old. 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 a footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby's However, they must be safe. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't suggested.

If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which is harmful to babies. Check for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and present the risk of choking your baby.

Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to assemble, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted which means you can use it for your growing baby.

The depth of the cot is a further important consideration. It is recommended to choose the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing the cot as they become more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you might be interested in a mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100 however it's worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about style. It is essential to select the right cot for the nursery of your baby cots on sale and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to match the furniture and interiors of your nursery you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and stylish. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labelled parts.

Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price might be a problem for some.

If you select an item with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you select a cot that has bars that are too closely separated, your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.

You should also ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information in the product description or on their website, but if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

Some models are made to last for an extended period of time. Many popular cots can be converted into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to keep using it after the infant cot bed stage. These cost more because they are required to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby has grown.

It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and check that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in any of the sides. If it does not, you will have to purchase a separate bed mattress.

Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are easy to assemble, which is perfect for those who are short on time or worried about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot beds bed, for example was rated by one of our mom testers as being the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and images.

The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic look and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then, it can be transformed into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your space, and one of our test parents said it lasted for 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 ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and then into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top choice for aesthetics with our panel-loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.