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 strip of plastic on the top rails help keep it tidy too.

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

Size

A good cribs cot size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most babies until they reach three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that could create problems with the size of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.

There are cots available at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can return a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.

If you are seeking a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your cheap baby cots for sale in achieving peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's habits.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.

The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until the time your child is four. It has three mattress options that will allow you to easily reach your cheap baby cots. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe too. Find a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't suggested.

If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where children could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and pose a choking hazard to your baby.

Some cots have additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots to convert into the toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable which means you can use it for your growing child.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot with at least 50cm of depth to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get caught up on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot but don't forget about the style. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. There are plenty of cots and cheap cot beds beds come in different colourways and designs that will look great with the furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple 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 as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, when it can be converted to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.

A crib is a safe space for your baby to sleep during the day and night, but it's important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. If you choose a cot with bars that are too closely separated, your child could become trapped or choke. You should also make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.

You should also ensure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, however If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.

Convertibility

You might want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. Most popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they must support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to use them long after your baby has developed.

It's important to make sure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it is not, you will have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.

Some cots are also equipped with extra features such as teething rails, which can help reduce space and make parenting life simpler. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect for those who are short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mum testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It comes in various sizes that will fit your space. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through three children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with an open design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of a side it can be converted into an infant's bed. When your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to a junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.