How to Choose the best cots Uk 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 with a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.

Size

A good cheap cot beds size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features that can create problems with the fit 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. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.

If you're looking for the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock 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 crib or cot. It is a great option for infants or babies who have breathing issues and it can monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the routines of your infant.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's also a good option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it easy to put together.

The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your Baby Cot Bed, but they must also be safe. Look for an cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint is toxic for babies. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where children could rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that might be removed, posing a choking risk to your child.

Some cots have additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to put together and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler-sized bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.

Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth to prevent your child from climbing up the cot when they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to shield the mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's worth the investment for peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby, but don't forget about the style. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that matches your baby's room and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to match any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.

Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child is five, at which point you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.

If you choose a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model that has bars that are too closely separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.

If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top ranked cribs. 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

It is possible that your cot to last a long time and some models are designed to accomplish that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas, allowing you to use it well beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your baby is older.

It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will need to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots come with additional features like a drawer for storage or rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some are simple to put together which is ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it together. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents said hers had lasted through three children.

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