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 tidy with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.<br /><br />This crib with smart technology could be the solution for your fussy baby. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that mimic a mother's womb.<br /><br />Size<br /><br />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 size for cots is 70cm by 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most babies until they are around three years old. However, some cots have curved corners or other features that can cause issues with the fit of a mattress. Therefore, it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you buy.<br /><br />There are a lot of stores on the high street that offer the wide selection of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return any cot that does not meet your needs. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.<br /><br />If you are seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot monitors the baby's crying 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 a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and it can track their sleep cycles, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your baby.<br /><br />Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions which means you can alter the level of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings and our panel found it simple to assemble.<br /><br /><br /><br />The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings which allow you reach your child easily and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby however, they must be secure. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress, and not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.<br /><br />If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Check for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, since this could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and create a choking hazard to your baby.<br /><br />Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest 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 has three heights that can be adjusted that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing child.<br /><br />The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. You should choose an cot that has at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses, including spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.<br /><br />Style<br /><br />It can be easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby but don't forget about the style. A cot will be used for a long period of time, so it's crucial to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in various colors and designs that can be matched to the furniture and interiors of your nursery that you select for your baby's bedroom.<br /><br />The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that made it a top pick with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.<br /><br />Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the benefit of being able to grow with' your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. of age, at which point it could be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a bit expensive for some.<br /><br />If you choose the model with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. <a href="https://www.cots4tots.co.uk/">top ranked cribs</a> should also make sure the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke, and you should also check that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child.<br /><br />You should also ensure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the product description or on their website, however should you have any questions, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.<br /><br />Convertibility<br /><br />You may want your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas, allowing you to use it beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they are required to support the weight of a 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 has grown.<br /><br />A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you will make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it isn't, you will need to purchase a separate mattress.<br /><br />Some cots come with additional features, such as a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help you save space and make life as a parent simpler. Others are easy to assemble, which is perfect when you're not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together yourself. One of our mom testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.<br /><br />Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be transformed to a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three kids.<br /><br />Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be converted into the bed of a toddler. When your child grows older, you can then upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.<br /><br />