How to Choose the best cots uk (check) cots and tots in the UK

With its sleek minimalist design and warm oak finish this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails help keep it neat and tidy.

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

Size

A good cot size balances giving your baby the space to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. Some cots may have curved edges or other features that can affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to check the cot's footprint prior buying.

You can find cots at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also worth shopping online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.

If you're seeking a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot monitors the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues and it can track their sleep cycles and aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.

Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the level of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to set up.

Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, which allow you reach your baby easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

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

If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where children may rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and pose the risk of choking your baby.

Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots to transform into an infant bed. The cot bed sales also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy, and has 3 adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out as they increase their mobility. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you might think about a cot mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget the style. It is crucial to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that look great with any furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks on our panel, and teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. 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.

Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, when you can convert it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a bit costly for some.

A cot beds for sale is a safe place for your baby to lay during the day and night, but it's important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also ensure 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 complies with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. This information is typically included in the product description of cots or cot beds but you can also check the retailer's website.

Convertibility

You might want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby is grown.

It is essential to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't, you will have to buy a separate bed mattress.

Some cots come with additional features such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents said hers had lasted through three kids.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be converted into a toddler's bed. If your child is older you can then upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.