How to Choose the best crib for newborn Cots in the UK

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

This crib is the solution to soothe your child who is fussy. It responds to their cry with soft sounds that mimic the mother's womb.

Size

A cot that is of high quality is the right size to give your baby cots online - head to git.qhdsx.com, room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most infants until they reach around three years of age. Some cots may have curved edges or other features that can impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to check the cot's footprint prior to purchasing.

You can find cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. 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 the way it will look in your nursery.

If you are seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It is a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and can also monitor their sleep patterns and help you understand the habits of your baby.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to put together.

The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding a footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

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

If you're purchasing a used cot, make sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that might be removed, posing the risk of choking your child.

Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to assemble, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler-sized 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.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping when they start to grow more mobile. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot you may be interested in a mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's well worth the investment to have peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about the style. A cot will be in use for a long time so it is essential to choose one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to complement the furniture and interiors of your nursery that you select for your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to construct even though it is in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy 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 as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, when you can transform it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its quality construction and smooth oval finish but it may be a little too pricey for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night however it is essential to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a cot that has bars that are not properly separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.

You should also ensure 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 includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and 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 retailer to be certain.

Convertibility

Some models are made to last for a long time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it past the infant cot bed stage. These cost more because they have to support the weight of a child for a longer time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.

It is essential to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is fully slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it isn't, you will need to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots have additional features such as rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are easy to assemble and are ideal for those who are short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. One of our mum test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.

Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed, by removing one side of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be converted into an infant's bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to an adult bed. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.