How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

If your cheap baby cots is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble the sound of a baby cots online's womb.

Size

A good cot size is a compromise between providing your baby with space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. Some cots could have curving edges or other features that could alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to double check your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are many stores on the high street where you can browse a wide range of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.

If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's routines.

Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to construct.

The Elementary cot, from 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 can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

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

If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Examine for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and present an choking risk to your baby.

Some cots come with additional features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's easy to assemble, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also has an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.

The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. It is recommended to choose a cot with at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are many choices out there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot, then you might think about a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's well worth it to have peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about the style. A cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it is essential to choose one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that are perfect for the furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.

Another alternative for a stylish 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 bed sales or until your child is five years old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed by its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a little too pricey for some.

If you choose the model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your child could become trapped or choke. You should also make sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.

If you're buying a cot that can be converted 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 at the bar's top. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.

Convertibility

You might want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are made to do that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use them beyond the infant stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby has developed.

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

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

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into an infant's bed. When your child reaches an older age, you can then upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.