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. It's also tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic a womb.

Size

A good cot is the perfect size to allow your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery cots. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features that can create problems with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.

There are many retailers on the high street where you can browse a wide range of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can return the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a better feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you are seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This sale cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you know your child's behavior.

Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their needs. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to assemble.

Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings, which allow you to reach your child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery but they have to be safe too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

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

Some cots come with additional features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's easy to assemble, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.

The depth of the cot is an additional important factor to consider. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping as they grow more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.

Style

When shopping for a child, it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook style. It is crucial to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot sets beds come in different colourways and designs that are perfect for the furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, when it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality design and smooth oval shape but it may be a bit costly for some.

If you choose an item with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot that has bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.

If you're purchasing an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, but should you have any questions you should speak to the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and some models are made to do that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive because they have to support the weight of the larger child for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to keep using them after your child is older.

A cot is among the most important purchases you will make for your new arrival 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 page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps in any of the sides. If it isn't you'll have to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots come with extra features like teething rails, which can help you save space and make your parenting life simpler. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal if you're short on time or are worried about putting them together yourself. One of our mum testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It is available in various sizes that will fit your room. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for 3 children.

Another option 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 transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.