How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a wonderful accessory to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails keep it neat and tidy.

If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they reach three years old. However, some cots feature curves or other features which can create problems with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is important to check your cot's footprint before you purchase.

There are a lot of stores on the high street that offer an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.

If you're in search of a top rated cots-quality cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you better know your child's behavior.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's sleeping area as they expand. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to construct.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby Cots on sale (lovebookmark.win). It can also be converted into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

cots to tots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be safe as well. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may fall off, creating an choking risk for your child.

Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler-sized bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that are adjustable that allow you to use it for your growing child.

The depth of the cot is a further important factor to consider. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from escaping when they begin to grow more mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a new cot. If you're buying an older cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's well worth the investment for peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when shopping for a baby, but don't forget about style. It is crucial to choose a cot sale that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with any furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to put together even though it is in a flatpack, complete with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the practicality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, after which you can transform it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its smooth oval finish and quality construction impressed our testers, but the price tag might be a problem for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest during the day and night however it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke. it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child.

If you're buying a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually 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 have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, however If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.

Convertibility

You may want your cot bed sales to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. Most popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to keep using it after the infant stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period, however they can be a great value for the money if you plan to use them until your baby is older.

It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make your life as a parent easier. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal for those who are short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. One of our mom testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes with a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It comes in different sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through three kids.

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 for use from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. When your child grows older, you can make the switch to a junior bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.