What Experts Say You Should Know

How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

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

This crib with smart technology could be the solution for your fussy baby. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.

Size

A good cribs cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow and not overwhelming the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most babies until they reach around three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that could result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, so it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you purchase.

There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots offers. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you are looking for a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot bed sales or crib. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings which will help you to reach your baby easily, and can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.

If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that might fall off, creating an choking risk for your baby.

Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also has an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.

The depth of the cot is another important consideration. You should choose an cot that has a minimum depth of 50cm, as this will prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out available from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase an entirely new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby but remember to think about the style. It is essential to select the right cot for the nursery of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to match any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's 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 made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to put together 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 design with the functionality of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can transform it into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a bit costly for some.

A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest both at night and during the day, but it's important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.

If you're buying a cot that converts into a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. The majority of cots and cots will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, but If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

You might want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are made to do that. The majority of popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it long after the infant stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However, they are a great investment if you intend to use them long after your baby cot online, use Mg, is developed.

A cot is also one of the most important purchases you will make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps at all sides. If it isn't you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots are also equipped with extra features like storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help you save space and make your parenting life easier. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. 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 is a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be made a toddler bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It comes in various sizes that will fit your room. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for three children.

Another option 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 however, with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into a toddler's bed. Once your child grows older, you can upgrade to a junior bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.