How to Choose the Best Cots Uk Cots in the UK
With its sleek, minimalist design and warm oak finish this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they are around three years old. Some cots could have curves or other features that may impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are many retailers on the high street that offer the wide selection of cots, such as 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 a good idea to shop online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating 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 sets or crib. It's a great choice for infants or babies who have breathing issues and it can track their sleep cycles and aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed from solid beech, features a removable panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their needs. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings which will help you reach your baby easily and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe too. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and create an choking risk to your child.
Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots available to transform into the toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights which means you can use it for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. It is recommended to choose a sale cot with a minimum depth of 50cm, as this will prevent your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the type of cot mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you might also be interested in a mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. If you're purchasing an older cot, it's worth getting an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when shopping for a baby but don't forget about the style. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for the room of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that are perfect for the furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a Best cot for newborn could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the functionality of being able grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child is five, at which point you can transform it into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its smooth oval finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers however the cost might be a problem for some.
If you select an item with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. You should also be sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
If you're buying a cot that converts into a mattress, be sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for a long time. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your baby has grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with additional features such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together. One of our mom test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It is available in different sizes that will suit your space. One of our testers said hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with an modular design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and it can be converted it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.