How to Choose the best cots for newborns cots (click here to read) 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 neat by having a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.

If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the answer. 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 provide your baby with space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they reach around three years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that can affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to check the cot's footprint prior buying.

There are a lot of retailers on the high street where you can check out the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.

If you are looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot will listen to 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 ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to set up.

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

Safety

Cots and cots are crucial for your baby's nursery However, they must be safe. Find a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.

If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where children could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers as these can peel off and pose a choking hazard to your child.

Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to put together and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler-sized bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that can be adjusted that allow you to use it for your growing child.

The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping as they increase their mobility. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. It's a good cribs idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth it to have peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get caught up on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about the design. It's important to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that earned it high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to put together even though it is in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.

Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Its smooth oval finish and quality construction impressed our testers however, the price may be a hindrance for some.

If you choose a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.

If you are buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, be sure 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 of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, but should you have any questions you should speak to the seller to ensure.

Convertibility

Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they must support the weight of a child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you are planning to use them for a long time after your cheap baby cots for sale is developed.

It's important to make sure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to purchase a separate bed mattress.

Some cots 4 tots come with additional features like a storage drawer or teething rails. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great if you're short on time or are worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless style and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress heights and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three children.

Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of a side it can be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child grows older, you can make the switch to a junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.