5 Best Cots Uk Projects For Any Budget
How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
With its sleek, minimalist design and warm oak finish, this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails help keep it neat and tidy.
This crib is the solution for your fussy baby. It makes soothing sounds that mimic a baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they are around three years old. However, some cots have curves or other features that could result in issues with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.
If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing problems, and it can even track their sleep cycles and help you understand the habits of your baby.
Another great 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 also has an impressive variety of mattress positions which means you can alter the level of your child's bed as they grow. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
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 is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of your baby's nursery but they have to be safe as well. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could peel off, posing the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots on the market to convert into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it for your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing out when they begin to become more mobile. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll require, as there are a myriad of options there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy a new cot you may want to consider a cot mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's well worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when buying for a baby but don't forget about the design. It is essential to select a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that look great with any furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to construct even though it is in a flatpack, complete with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the practicality of being able to 'grow with' your child. cribs can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers however the cost could be a concern for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If infant cot bed select a cot that has bars that are too closely separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on 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 you should speak to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it long after the baby stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer time, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to use them until your baby is older.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it isn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots come with extra features such as a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make parenting life simpler. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. One of our mom test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be transformed to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents said it lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with an modular design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition a side it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. If your child is older you can make the switch to an adult bed. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.