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 is also kept tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib is the answer for your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between providing your baby with space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most infants until they are around three years of age. Some cots may have curving edges or other features that may alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return a cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for the best crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you better know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. 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 a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress options that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be secure. Choose a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Look for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands as this may cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that could fall off, creating an choking risk for your child.
Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots on the market to transform into a toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from climbing out as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out available from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy an entirely new cot, you may want to consider a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. If best cots uk purchasing an older cot, it's worth getting an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child, it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. But don't overlook the style. It is essential to select the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish and functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the functionality of being able to 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 the side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers, but the price tag could be a concern for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
If you're purchasing 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 that have an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, however should you have any questions, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for a long time. Many popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant stage. best cot newborn are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your child is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is fully slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it does not you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots are equipped with additional features such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect for those who are short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It comes in different sizes that will fit your space. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is an modular design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.