How to Choose the Best cot for newborn 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 on the top rails.

If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It makes soft sounds that sound like a womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach three years of age. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that could create problems with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.

There are a lot of retailers on the high street that offer an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer 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 appear in your nursery.

If you're in search of a top-quality cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.

Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings 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 finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress options that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

Cots and cot beds (read this post from humanlove.stream) are an essential part of your baby's nursery but they have to be secure too. Look for a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.

If buying a secondhand cot bed sales, ensure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is harmful to babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands as this may cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and present an choking risk to your child.

Certain cots are equipped with extra features such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted which means you can make it suitable for your growing baby.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should look for an cot that has at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of mattress you'll need, as there are a myriad of options available from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's well worth the investment to have peace of mind.

Style

When buying for a child it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't overlook style. It's important to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any furniture or interiors that you've chosen for your baby's first 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 with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality 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, after which you can convert it to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag might be a problem for some.

A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby cots online to lay throughout the day and at night, but it's important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not let your child lower it.

You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites 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, but if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the retailer to be certain.

Convertibility

You may want 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 past the infant stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However, they are a great investment if you intend to use them long after your baby has grown.

A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps on all sides. If it isn't, you will need to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots come with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help you reduce space and make parenting life simpler. Some are simple to put together which is ideal if you are short on time or worried about putting it together. One of our mum test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.

The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of a footboard. It comes in different sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for three children.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini cotbed model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. Once your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to the junior bed. It's also a top rated cots choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.