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 wonderful accessory to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

This crib with smart technology could be the solution to soothe your child who is fussy. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots feature curves or other features that can create problems with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you purchase.

There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return a cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be used in any cot or crib. It is a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns to aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions which means you can alter the level of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to put together.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress height settings, which allow you easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

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

If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure to determine the date of purchase. Lead paint is toxic for babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where children could rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and pose a choking hazard to your baby.

Certain cots are equipped with 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 very easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots on the market to transform into the toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three adjustable heights that allow you to make it suitable for your growing baby.

The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from escaping when they start to become more mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from spills and Cots4tots stains in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth the investment to have peace of mind.

Style

When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook the style. A cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it's crucial to choose one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that are perfect for any furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed was a 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 testers also liked that the cot was easy to build even though it is in a flatpack, with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. older, at which point it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed with its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a little too pricey for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay both at night and during the day however it is essential to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model that has bars that are too closely spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. It is also important to be sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.

You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, but if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

Some models are built to last for many years. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it long after the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of a larger child for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for money if you intend to keep using them after your baby is older.

A cot is among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps in all of the sides. If it is not then you'll need to purchase a new mattress for your bed.

Some cots also come with extra features such as rails for teething, which can help to reduce space and make your parenting life simpler. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one our mom testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and pictures.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It is available in various sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for 3 children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. If your child is older you can make the switch to a junior bed. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.