How to Choose the best cot bed 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 an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.

This smart crib could be the answer for your fussy baby. It makes soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a mother's womb.

Size

A cot that is of high quality is the perfect size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they reach three years of age. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features that could result in issues with the size of a mattress, so it is important to check the footprint of your sale cot prior to making a buy.

There are plenty of shops on the high streets that offer the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.

If you are looking for a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating 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'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 habits.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to set up.

The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings, which will help you easily reach your baby, and can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot cribs beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be safe as well. Find an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.

If you're buying a second-hand cheap cot beds, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Look for indications that the cot sets was used, particularly around the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that may be removed, posing the risk of choking your baby.

Some cots come with extra features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots available to transform into the toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable that allow you to make it suitable for your growing baby Cots on sale.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for the cot to have at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100 however it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It's easy to get caught up on safety and spec when shopping for a baby, but don't forget about style. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it's important to find one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with the furniture or interiors that you've 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 storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and stylish. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.

Another option for an elegant 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, at which point it can be converted to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers however, the price may be a hindrance for some.

If you choose the model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not let your child lower it.

You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of the cot or bed, but you may also check the website of the seller.

Convertibility

It is possible that your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. Most popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it long after the baby stage. They are more expensive because they have to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.

A cot is among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and also make sure 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 will need to purchase a separate mattress.

Some cots have additional features like a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mom test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless style and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by removing one side of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents stated that it lasted for three children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and then into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.