How to Choose the Best cot for newborn Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.

This crib is the solution for your baby who is a bit fussy. It makes soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a womb.

Size

A good cot is the ideal size to give your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for infants up to three years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features that can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you buy.

You can find cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can return the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.

If you're looking for a top-notch cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It is a great option for infants or babies who have breathing issues and it can monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the habits of your Baby Crib.

Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the level of your child's sleeping area as they increase in height. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to put together.

Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, which will help you easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into an infant cot bed bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, but they must be safe as well. Find an cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and present a choking hazard to your child.

Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots to transform into the toddler bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted that allow you to make it suitable for your growing baby.

Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. It is also important to consider the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are a myriad of options there 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 shield the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100, but it is worth it for peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when purchasing a baby's cot but don't forget about style. It's important to choose a cot that matches 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 nursery furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that 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. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to construct even though it is in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.

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 from the time of birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its smooth oval finish and quality construction impressed our testers however, the price might be a problem for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines 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 the baby could get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently and cannot be easily lifted by your child.

You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

Some models are built to last for a long time. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use them beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they have to support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.

A cot is among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it does not then you'll have to purchase a new bed mattress.

Some cots have extra features, such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These 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 yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.

The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic design and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be transformed to a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then, it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It comes in different sizes that will fit your space. One of our testers said hers lasted through three children.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. Once your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.