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. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails help keep it neat and tidy.

If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble a baby's womb.

Size

A good cot size is a compromise between providing your baby with space to grow and not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they reach three years old. However, some cots have curved corners or other features which can cause issues with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.

There are many retailers on the high street where you can browse an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.

If you are looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues and can also track their sleep cycles to aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your baby.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with a removable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to assemble.

Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. 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 options that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding the footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe as well. Look for a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to determine the age of the cot. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where children could rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that could peel off, posing a choking risk to your baby.

Certain best cots for newborns are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots available to convert into the toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.

The depth of the cot is a further important factor to consider. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from climbing out when they begin to grow more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, it's worth getting a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's well worth the investment for peace of mind.

Style

When buying for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the design. It is crucial to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with any furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and fashionable. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.

Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however, the price might be a problem for some.

A crib sets is a safe space for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night It is important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your child could get trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.

You should also ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of cots or cot beds, but you may also check the website of the seller.

Convertibility

Certain models are designed to last for a long time. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you keep using it after the infant stage. These are 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 money if you intend to use them until your baby has grown.

A cot is also among the most important purchases you will make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it isn't you'll have to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots have additional features such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are easy to assemble and are ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together yourself. One of our mom test subjects has best rated cribs the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.

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 has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and then into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.