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 the top rails keep it neat too.

If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that mimic the womb.

Size

A good cribs cot is the ideal size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. Some cots could have curving edges or other features that may alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.

If you are looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's habits.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions which means you can alter the size of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or 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's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings, which will help you reach your baby easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding an additional footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery but they have to be safe as well. Look for a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you are purchasing a second-hand crib, be sure to determine the date of purchase. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and present a choking hazard to your baby.

Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into a toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted that allow you to use it for your growing child.

Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from escaping when they start to grow more mobile. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying a second-hand cot, it's worth getting a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby, but don't forget about style. It is essential to select a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that look great with any furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.

Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child is five, after which you can transform it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its smooth oval finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers however the cost may be a hindrance for some.

If you select the model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too closely separated, your child could get trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.

If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top rated cots of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of cots or sale cot beds but you may also check the website of the seller.

Convertibility

Certain models are designed to last for many years. Most popular cots can be transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they are required to support a heavier child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to use them for a long time after your baby has grown.

A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it does not, you will need to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots have additional features such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal for those who are short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mom testers as being the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It is available in various sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for 3 children.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition the side, it could be converted into an infant's bed. Once your child is older you can make the switch to a junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics with our panel-loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.