How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it neat too.

This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.

Size

A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features which can result in issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.

There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and the way it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for the best cots uk cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and can also track their sleep cycles and help you understand the routines of your baby.

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 an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the size of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to assemble.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery however, they must be secure too. Choose a Mini Cot Bed that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.

If you're buying a used crib, be sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint is toxic for babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hample of how stylish a cot can be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to put together and was delivered in a flatpack, complete with labelled parts and simple instructions.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the benefit of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, after which you can convert it into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our test subjects were awed by its high-quality design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a little too pricey for some.

A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is snug and secure. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.

If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the product description of cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.

Convertibility

It is possible that your cot to last for a long time and some models are made to do that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it well beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they are required to support the weight of a child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby has grown.

A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a new bed mattress.

Some cots are equipped with additional features like a drawer for storage or rails for teething. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. One of our mom testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless design and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cheap cot bed with the addition a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will fit your space. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for three children.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to build it into various configurations. The mini cotbed model can be used from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into an infant's bed. When your child is older you can then upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.