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. It's also tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.

This crib is the solution for your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most infants until they reach three years of age. Certain cots might have curves or other features that can alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are a lot of stores on the high street where you can browse the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can return a cot that doesn't fit your needs. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.

If you're in search of a top-quality 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 is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great choice for infants or babies who have breathing issues and can also monitor their sleep patterns and help you understand the habits of your infant.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area as they increase in height. It's also a great option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope Our panel found it easy to put together.

Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, but they must be secure too. Find an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.

If you're purchasing a used cot, make sure to check the age of the cot. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Look for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, because this can cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that might fall off, creating an choking risk for your baby.

Some cots offers have additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to assemble and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.

The depth of the cot is a further important consideration. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping as they grow more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. You may also want to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a new cot. If you're buying an older cot, it's worth getting a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair 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 shopping for a baby but don't forget about the style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that has helped it get top ranked cribs marks with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this Cot Bed; hop over to this web-site, as functional as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to construct and was delivered in a flatpack, complete with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.

Another alternative for a stylish 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 convert it into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed by its quality design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a bit expensive for some.

A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest during the day and night It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and isn't easily lifted by your child.

You should also be sure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.

Convertibility

Certain models are designed to last for a long time. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it long after the infant stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for money if you intend to keep using them after your baby is older.

A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.

Some cots are equipped with additional features like teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some are simple to put together which is ideal when you're not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cheap cot beds bed, for example, was rated by one of our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.

The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a classic style and comes in a range of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then, it can be transformed into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It comes in various sizes that will fit your room. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through three children.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.