How to Choose the best cot beds cots offers 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.

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

Size

A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. Some cots may have curves or other features that can affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are plenty of shops on the high streets where you can browse the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery cots.

If you're looking for the best cots Uk cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's routines.

Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It has a range of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings and our panel found it simple to assemble.

The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until your child is four. It has three mattress options that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

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

If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that may be removed, posing an choking risk for your child.

Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots on the market to convert into the toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it for your growing child.

Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out when they begin to become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're planning to buy a new cot, then you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When shopping for a child, it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to match any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer 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 as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labelled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the functionality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, when you can convert it into a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our testers however the cost could be a concern for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently and cannot be easily lifted by your child.

If you're purchasing an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. This information is usually found in the product description of cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.

Convertibility

You might want your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use it well beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they are required to support a heavier child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby has developed.

It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and check that it has a base that's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it isn't you'll have to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mom testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.

Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by removing 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 space. One of our test parents reported that it lasted for three children.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to transform it into different configurations. The mini cot beds model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.