How to Choose the best crib newborn 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 tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.

If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.

Size

A good cot is the perfect size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for infants up to three years old. Some cots may have curves or other features that can impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.

There are cots available at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return any cot that isn't what you want. 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.

If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies with breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's routines.

Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi cot beds for sale. The cot is minimalistic, constructed from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It also offers a wide range of mattress bases that allows you to alter the height of your child's bed as they expand. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. 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, from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery but they have to be safe too. Find a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.

If you're buying a used crib, be sure to verify the date of purchase. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where children could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that could be removed, posing an choking risk for your child.

Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's simple to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.

The depth of the cot is a further important factor to consider. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from climbing out as they become more mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying an older cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100 however it's well worth it for peace of mind.

Style

When you're shopping for a Baby Cot Bed it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the style. A cot will be used for a long period of time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for the room of your baby and your decor. There are plenty of 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 first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to construct and was delivered in a flatpack, complete with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.

Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, after which you can convert it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our test subjects were awed by its quality design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a little too pricey for some.

If you choose a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a cot with bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.

It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on 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 you should speak to the seller to ensure.

Convertibility

You may want your cot to last for a long time and some models are made to do that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use them beyond the infant stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support the weight of a child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby is grown.

A cot is also one of the most recommended cribs important purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure that it complies with 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 is fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a new bed mattress.

Some cots also come with extra features such as teething rails that can help save space and make parenting experience simpler. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and images.

Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It is available in different sizes that will fit your room. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for three children.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be converted into an infant's bed. If your child grows older, you can then upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.