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How to Choose the Best cots uk Cots in the UK

With its sleek, minimalist design and warm oak finish this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. It's also neat by having a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.

This crib with smart technology could be the solution to soothe your baby who is a bit fussy. It makes soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.

Size

A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features which can cause issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.

You can find cots at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return any cot that isn't what you want. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery cots.

If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating 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 is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's routines.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the level of your child's sleeping area as they expand. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to construct.

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

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery however, they must be safe too. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Examine for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and present the risk of choking your child.

Some cots are equipped with additional features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots on the market to transform into an infant bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.

The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping when they start to increase their mobility. It is also worth considering the type of mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out available from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when purchasing a baby's cot but don't forget about the style. It is crucial to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that are perfect for any furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to put together even though it is in a flatpack with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It blends the Scandi style 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 old, when it can be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our test subjects were awed by its quality construction and smooth oval finish but it may be a bit expensive for some.

If you select the model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may be trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not let your child lower it.

If you are buying a cot that can be converted into 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, but you may also check the retailer's website.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last a long time and some models are made to do that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use them beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they have to support the weight of a child for a longer time. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to use them for a long time after your baby is developed.

A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots come with extra features like rails for teething, which can help to save space and make your parenting life easier. Others are easy to assemble, which is perfect for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a range 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 converted into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It comes in different sizes that will suit your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through 3 children.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to build it into various configurations. The mini cot beds model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be converted into an infant's bed. Once your child is older you can make the switch to the junior bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.