How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

With its sleek, minimalist design and warm oak finish, this small cot beds from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.

If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cry with soft sounds that mimic the womb.

Size

A good cot is the ideal size to provide your baby with room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm, that should be enough for infants up to three years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features that could create problems with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.

There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can browse a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the Baby Cot to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features a removable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the level of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's also a great option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it easy to put together.

The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. 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 comes with three mattress height settings which allow you easily reach your baby and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding a footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

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

If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and pose the risk of choking your baby.

Some cots have additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being 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 to transform into an infant bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.

The depth of the cot is a further important consideration. You should look for the small cot beds to have a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot when they become more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're planning to buy an entirely new cot, you might think about a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when shopping for a baby but remember to think about the design. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with the furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish 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 or until your child is five, at which point you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Its smooth oval finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers, but the price tag might be a problem for some.

A crib is a safe space for your baby to rest during the day and night however it is essential that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them carefully to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you choose a cot with bars that are not properly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. You should also be sure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.

If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, however should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the retailer to be certain.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last a long time and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it well past the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your child is older.

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

Some cots are equipped with additional features like a storage drawer or rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all 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 comes with clear instructions and photos.

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

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be transformed into an infant's bed. If your child grows older, you can upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.