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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. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.

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

Size

A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. Some cots may have curves or other features that could alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to check the cot's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.

If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's habits.

Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the level of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, 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 variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that allow you to 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 also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery however, they must be safe as well. Find an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.

If you are buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Check for Mini Cot Bed of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, as this may cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that could be removed, posing the risk of choking your child.

Some cots have additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to assemble, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses which 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 stains and spills if you plan to purchase a new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When buying for a child it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the design. It's important to choose a cot 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 selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to build even though it is in a flatpack, with labelled parts and simple instructions.





Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a bit expensive for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day It is important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you choose a cot with bars that are not properly separated, your child could be trapped or choke. You should also make sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.

You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, but you may also check the retailer's website.

Convertibility

It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are made to do that. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it well beyond the baby stage. They are more expensive because they must support an overweight child for a longer time. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to use them for a long time after your baby has grown.

It's important to make sure that the cot you select meets 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 does not, you will need to purchase a new mattress.

Some cots are also equipped with extra features like storage drawers and teething rails, which can help save space and make parenting experience easier. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mum testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic style and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents reported that hers had lasted through three children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with an open design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted 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. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.