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 as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it neat and tidy.

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

Size

A good cot is the perfect size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. Some cots could have curving edges or other features that could impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can check out 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 requirements. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you're looking for the best cheap cot beds, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems, and it can even track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the routines of your baby.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It has a range of mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to put together.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings which will help you to reach your child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an essential part of your baby's nursery however, they must be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.

If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure to determine the age of the cot. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly on the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and create a choking hazard to your baby.

Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs beds 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 heights that are adjustable, so you can make it suitable for your growing child.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose a cot with at least 50cm in depth because this will stop 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 many choices out available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you might also be interested in a mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When buying for a child, it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget the design. It's important to choose the right cot for the nursery of your baby and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.

Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function 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 of age, at which point it could be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its sleek oval design and quality construction impressed our testers, but the price tag might be a problem for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night however it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely spaced, your baby may be trapped or choke. It is also important to be sure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.

If you're buying a cot that converts into a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, but should you have any questions, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.

Convertibility

Certain models are designed to last for a long time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use it past the infant stage. These tend to cost more because they have to support the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to use them until your baby is older.

A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't, you will need to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots also come with extra features such as storage drawers and teething rails that can help you save space and make your parenting life simpler. Some are simple to put together which is ideal when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and images.

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

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various 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. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.