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. It's also neat with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to provide your baby with space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. However, some cots have curves or other features which can create problems with the fitting of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are a lot of stores on the high street where you can browse the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a better feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you are seeking a high-quality best cot beds one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies with breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you better know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings that will allow you to reach your child easily and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be secure. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly on the sides, where children might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and create the risk of choking your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots on the market to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy, and has 3 adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out when they start to become more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you might also think about a cot mattress protector to safeguard against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby but remember to think about the design. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it's important to find one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed 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. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to construct and was delivered in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child turns five years old. older, at which point it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and quality construction impressed our testers however, the price may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely separated, your child could become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for many years. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use them beyond the best infant cribs stage. They cost more as they must support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However, they are a great investment if you intend to use them for a long time after your baby is developed.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in any of the sides. If it does not then you'll have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots come with additional features like a drawer for storage or rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it all together yourself. One of our mum test subjects gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by taking one side off the best cot beds. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot by the addition a footboard. It comes in various sizes that will fit your space. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through 3 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 can be used from birth, but with the addition a side it can be transformed into an infant's bed. If your child grows older, you can make the switch to an adult bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.