How to Choose the Best Baby Cots Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot bed sales is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. It is also kept tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the womb.

Size

A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to provide your baby with room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots have curved corners or other features that could create problems with the size of a mattress, therefore it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.

You can find cots at a wide range of retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.

If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot monitors the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving a restful sleep, and it can be used with any best crib for newborn or cot. It's perfect for babies with breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's habits.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features a removable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to set up.

The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another 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 comes with three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be secure. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended cribs by the Lullaby Trust.

If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where children might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might be removed, posing a choking risk to your baby.

Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to assemble and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that can be adjusted, so you can make it suitable for your growing child.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth in order to stop your child from escaping as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase an entirely new cheap cot bed. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When shopping for a child it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't forget style. A cot will be used for a long period of time, so it's crucial to choose one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to match any furniture and interiors 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. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that made it a top pick with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.

Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. of age, at which point it could be transformed to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however, the price could be a concern for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest both at night and during the day however it is essential that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure that your child is snug and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke. you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently and isn't easily lowered by your child.

If you are buying a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

Certain models are designed to last for many years. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use them beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they are required to support the weight of a child for a longer time. However, they are a great investment if you intend to use them long after your baby has grown.

A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots come with extra features such as storage drawers and teething rails, which can help you save space and make parenting life easier. Some are simple to put together which is ideal if you are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot by the addition a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for three children.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition the side, it could be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child grows older, you can then upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.