How to Choose the best rated cribs Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails help keep it neat and tidy.

If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble the sound of a womb.

Size

A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they reach three years old. However, some cots feature curves or other features that could cause issues with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.

There are cots available at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better feel about the size 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 fantastic choice. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's a great choice for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues, and it can even track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the routines of your infant.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. The cot is minimalistic, constructed from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the level of your child's bed as they grow. It's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to set up.

Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth up until your child is four. It has three mattress heights, which allow you to reach your baby easily, and can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

cheap cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, 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 should have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.

If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Look for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child may rub their hands since this could cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and create an choking risk to your baby.

Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's simple to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs beds to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from escaping when they begin to increase their mobility. It is also worth considering the type of mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options available from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's well worth the investment to have peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get caught up on safety and spec when buying for a baby, but don't forget about the design. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that look great with any furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to put together even though it is in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.

Another option for an elegant 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 as a cot from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can transform it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a bit expensive for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night It is important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.

You should also ensure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, however If you are concerned it's a good idea to speak with the seller to ensure.

Convertibility

Certain models are designed to last for many years. Many popular cots can be transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you keep using it after 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 money if you intend to use them until your baby is older.

A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it meets 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's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots have additional features such as rails for teething. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great 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'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and images.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot sale, which has an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will fit your space. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has a modular design which allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish tots and cots the smooth oval shape.