How to Choose the best cots uk - Opensourcebridge explains - 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 with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rated cots rails.

If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cry with soft sounds that mimic the mother's womb.

Size

A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow and not overcrowding the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they reach around three years of age. However, some cots come with curves or other features which can create problems with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.

You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and the way it will look in your nursery.

If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you better know your child's behavior.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the height of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.

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 can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings which will help you to reach your child easily, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The crib sets includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be safe. Choose a cot sets that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.

If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and present the risk of choking your child.

Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out as they grow more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out there from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a new cot. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's well worth it for peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when buying for a baby, but don't forget about the style. It's important to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and stylish. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, at which point you can convert it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a little too pricey for some.

If you select an item with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a model that has bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may be trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.

It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.

Convertibility

It is possible that your cot to last a long time, and some models are made to do that. Many popular cots can be converted into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you keep using it after the baby stage. These cost more because they are required to support the weight of a child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you are planning to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.

It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it isn't then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.

Some cots are also equipped with extra features like a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help you save space and make your life as a parent easier. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. One of our mom test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made a toddler bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents stated that hers had lasted through three children.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be converted into the bed of a toddler. If your child is older you can make the switch to an adult bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.