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. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails help keep it neat and tidy.

If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like a womb.

Size

A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features that can cause issues with the fit of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to check your cot's footprint before you buy.

There are many shops on the high streets where you can check out an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. 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 appear in your nursery.

If you are looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot monitors the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's habits.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi cot sets. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to put together.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby However, they must be secure. Choose a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.

If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child may rub their hands since this could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and pose the risk of choking your child.

Some cots have additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to assemble and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing child.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing up the cot when they become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's worth the investment to have peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get caught up on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about the design. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in a variety of colors and designs to match any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that made it a top pick with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to build, even though it comes in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.

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 from birth as a cot or until your child is five years old, when it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed with its quality construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a bit expensive for some.

If you select an item with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke, and you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child.

It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with 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. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, but if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.

Convertibility

Some models are built to last for a long time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it well past the infant cot bed stage. These cost more because they have to support the weight of a child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to use them for a long time after your baby has developed.

It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots have additional features like teething rails. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. One of our mum test subjects has rated the John Lewis cheap cot beds-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and is available with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be made a toddler bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety 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 open design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.