How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK<br /><br />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 as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.<br /><br />If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds with soft sounds that sound like the baby's womb.<br /><br />Size<br /><br />A good cot size is a compromise between providing your baby with space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm, that should be enough for infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that can create problems with the fit of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.<br /><br />There are many stores on the high street where you can browse an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and the way it will look in your nursery.<br /><br />If <a href="https://www.cots4tots.co.uk/">nursery cots</a> looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you know your child's behavior.<br /><br />Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their needs. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to set up.<br /><br />The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, which will help you to reach your baby easily, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby however, they must be secure. Find a cot that is certified to meet the British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.<br /><br />If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly around the sides, where children might rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could peel off, posing the risk of choking your baby.<br /><br />Some cots come with additional features like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by 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 is also one of the easiest cots to transform into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.<br /><br />The depth of the cot is a further important consideration. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out when they start to become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.<br /><br />Style<br /><br />When shopping for a child it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't forget the style. It is essential to select a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cots are available in different colourways and designs that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.<br /><br /><br /><br />The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to construct even though it is in a flatpack with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.<br /><br />Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child is five, after which you can convert it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its sleek oval design and quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price may be a hindrance for some.<br /><br />A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to lay both at night and during the day however it is essential that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby is snug and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke. you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child.<br /><br />If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, be sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. The majority of cots and cots will have this information in the product description or on their website, however should you have any questions, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.<br /><br />Convertibility<br /><br />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 that allow you to use it beyond the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support an overweight 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 has developed.<br /><br />A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it does not then you'll need to buy a separate bed mattress.<br /><br />Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help to save space and make your parenting life simpler. Some are simple to put together which is ideal if you are in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and images.<br /><br />The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic style and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then, it can be transformed into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your space, and one of our test parents said hers lasted through three kids.<br /><br />Another great choice 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, but with the addition a side it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. When your child grows older, you can make the switch to a junior bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.<br /><br />