How to Choose the best cot bed Cots in the UK

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

If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that mimic the womb.

Size

A good cot is the ideal size to provide your baby with space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that could affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore important to check the cot's footprint prior buying.

You can find cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online cots.

If you're looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This minimalist cot is constructed from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions which means you can alter the level of your child's bed as they increase in height. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to assemble.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings that will allow you reach your child easily and it can be transformed into an best infant cribs bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be secure. Look for an cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to determine the age of the cot. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly around the sides, where children may rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and create an choking risk to your child.

Some cots come with extra 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 functional. It's simple to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing baby.

The depth of the cot is a further important consideration. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out as they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the type of mattress you'll need, since there are many choices out there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy an entirely new cot, you might be interested in a mattress protector to safeguard against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when buying for a baby but remember to think about style. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for the room of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to match the furniture and interiors of your nursery you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to construct and was delivered in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.

Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers however, the price might be a problem for some.

If you choose an item with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too closely separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to be sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.

You should also be sure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the product description of the cot or bed, however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.

Convertibility

Certain models are designed to last for a long time. Many popular cots can be converted into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they must support an overweight child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you intend to use them long after your baby is grown.

A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure that it complies with 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 does not, you will have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.

Some cots have additional features like a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mom testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.

Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and is available with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It is available in a variety of sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through 3 children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has an modular design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top pick for aesthetics with our panel-loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.