How to Choose the best cots for newborns cots uk (click to find out more) 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 strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it neat and tidy.
If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble the sound of a mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between providing your baby with space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for babies between three and four years old. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that could alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to check the cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're 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 listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing difficulties and it can monitor their sleep patterns, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your baby.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress base positions which means you can alter the size of your child's sleeping area as they expand. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range 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 options that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby however, they must be safe. Choose a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're purchasing a used crib, be sure to determine the age of the cot. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that might peel off, posing an choking risk for your child.
Some cheap cots have additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's easy to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs beds that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you might be interested in a mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about the design. A cot will be used for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to complement the furniture and interiors of your nursery that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot sets bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and quality construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay during the day and night however it is essential that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby is snug and secure. If you choose a model that has bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, but if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time and some models are made to do that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they must support a heavier child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby has grown.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you will make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features such as storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help reduce space and make parenting life easier. Some are simple to put together which is ideal if you are in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mom testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes with a variety of finishes that will suit 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 into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It is available in different sizes that will fit your space. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has a modular design which allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition the side, it could be converted into a toddler's bed. If your child is older you can make the switch to an adult bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.