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 and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails help keep it tidy too.

This smart crib could be the solution for your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size balances giving your baby room to grow and not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features which can cause issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.

You can find cots at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for the Best Cots Uk, Https://Www.Cots4Tots.Co.Uk, cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the habits of your little one.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed from solid beech, features a removable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope Our panel found it easy to put together.

The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety 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 height settings, which allow you to reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby's, but they must also be safe. Look for a cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should also have a solid flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to determine the date of purchase. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and present the risk of choking your baby.

Some cots have additional features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots to transform into an infant bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping as they grow more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out available from foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy a new cot you might want to consider a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100 however it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when buying for a baby but don't forget about the design. It is crucial to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to the furniture and interiors of your nursery you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to build, even though it comes in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our testers however, the price could be a concern for some.

A crib is a safe space for your baby to rest during the day and night however it is essential to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke, and you should also check that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently and isn't easily lowered by your child.

It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, however if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last a long time and some models are made to do that. Most popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of the larger child for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your child is older.

A cot is among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it does not then you'll have to purchase a separate bed mattress.

Some cots come with extra features like a storage drawer and teething rails that can help you reduce space and make your life as a parent easier. Some are simple to put together, 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 instance, was rated by one our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.

The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a classic style and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It is available in various sizes that will suit your room. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through three kids.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.