How to Choose the Best cot for newborn Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent addition to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this best crib for newborn might be the answer. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic a womb.

Size

A good cot is the right size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that can affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.

You can find cots at a wide range of retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.

If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating 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 cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.

Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed from solid beech, features a removable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's a great option for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to assemble.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings which allow you to reach your child easily and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.

If you're buying a used cot, make sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing an choking risk for your child.

Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to assemble, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery cots neat. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable which means you can use it for your growing baby.

The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from climbing out as they increase their mobility. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out available from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You may also want to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth it to have peace of mind.

Style

When buying for a child, it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the design. A cot will be in use for a long time so it's important to find one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that will look great with any furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this Cot Bed, Istartw.Lineageinc.com, as functional as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to build, even though it comes in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the benefit of being able to grow with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however, the price might be a problem for some.

A crib is a safe space for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night It is important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby is snug and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke. it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child.

You should also be sure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, but If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.

Convertibility

Some models are made to last for a long time. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use it well past the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer time, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to use them until your baby is older.

A cot is among the most important purchases you will make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't you'll have to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots are also equipped with extra features like storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help you save space and make parenting life simpler. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and images.

Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It is available in different sizes that will suit your space. 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 build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition a side it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. If your child grows older, you can then upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.