How to Choose the best rated cribs cots (lovewiki.faith) 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 with a drawer as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.

This crib is the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a womb.

Size

A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. Some cots may have curves or other features that may affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are cots available at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return any cot that does not meet your needs. It's also worth shopping online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for the best cots for newborns cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the routines of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It has a range of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to put together.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings which will help you reach your baby easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding a footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be secure. Find a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.

If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and present the risk of choking your baby.

Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery tidy, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose an cot that has at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot when they become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you may be interested in a mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's well worth the investment to have peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby but remember to think about the design. A cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it's crucial to choose one that matches the room of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of styles and colours that are perfect for any nursery furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to put together even though it is in a flatpack, with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the benefit of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, after which you can convert it to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish but it may be a little too pricey for some.

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

You should also be sure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic 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 are concerned you should speak to the retailer to be certain.

Convertibility

It is possible that your cot to last a long time and some models are designed to accomplish that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they must support the weight of a child for a longer time. However they are a great investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.

A cot is also one of the most important purchases you will make for your new arrival It is crucial 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 completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it does not then you'll need to buy a separate mattress for your bed.

Some cots come with extra features such as a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help save space and make your parenting experience simpler. Others are easy to assemble, which is perfect for those who are 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 rated by one of our mum testers as the'most recommended cribs simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with an modular design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini cot beds model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.