How to Choose the best crib 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. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.

If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow and not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they are around three years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features that can result in issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the footprint of your cheap cot bed prior to making a buy.

You can find cots at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return any cot that isn't what you want. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.

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

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's a great option for bedrooms with small cot beds spaces or with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to put together.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be secure too. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.

If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and pose the risk of choking your child.

Some cheap cots come with additional features like teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's simple to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs (click4r.com) that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable, so you can use it for your growing child.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot sale. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out when they start to become more mobile. It is also important to consider the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you might also think about a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. If you're buying a second-hand cot, it's worth getting an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's worth it to have peace of mind.

Style

When buying for a child, it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook the design. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to complement the furniture and interiors of your nursery that you select for your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed was a feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labelled parts.

Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child turns five years old. old, when it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a bit costly for some.

If you select an item with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily removed by your child.

If you're buying an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. This information is usually found in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you may also check the website of the seller.

Convertibility

Some models are made to last for many years. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you keep using it after the baby stage. They cost more as they must support a heavier child for a longer period of time. However, they are a great investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby has developed.

A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you will make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it is not, you will have to purchase a new mattress for your bed.

Some cots also come with extra features such as teething rails, which can help reduce space and make your life as a parent simpler. Some cots are easy to put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and images.

The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your space, and one of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. When your child is older you can make the switch to the junior bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.