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 keep it neat and tidy.

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

Size

A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most recommended cribs infants up to three years old. Some cots could have curves or other features that could affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.

You can find cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you're looking for the best cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the routines of your baby.

Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, and our panel found it easy to put together.

Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until your child is four. It has three mattress options that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery however, they must be secure too. Find a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.

If you're purchasing a used cot, make sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that might fall off, creating a choking risk to your cheap baby cots for sale.

Some cots have extra features like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to assemble, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot has an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three adjustable heights which means you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose an cot that has at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become mobile. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out available from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you might think about a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's worth it for peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about the design. It's important to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to match any nursery furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib sets can be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to construct even though it is in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the functionality of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, at which point it can be converted to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed by its quality design and smooth oval shape but it may be a bit costly for some.

A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night, but it's important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.

If you are buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. This information is typically included in the product description of cots and tots or cot beds, but you may also check the website of the seller.

Convertibility

Some models are built to last for a long time. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it well past the infant stage. They cost more as they must support the weight of a child for longer. However they are a great investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby is developed.

A cot is also one of the most important purchases you will make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't, you will need to purchase a new mattress.

Some cots are also equipped with extra features such as a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make life as a parent easier. Some cots are easy to put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.

The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless style and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents said it lasted for three children.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it 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 to a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top choice for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.