How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent addition to any nursery. It's also tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It responds to their cry with soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. Some cots could have curving edges or other features that could alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to verify your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are a lot of shops on the high streets where you can browse a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better idea about 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 cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's habits.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It also has an impressive range of mattress bases that allows you to alter the height of your child's sleeping area as they increase in height. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth up until your child is four. It has three mattress height settings, which will help you reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby however, they must be secure. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended cribs.
If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and create a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to convert into an infant cot bed bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing child.
The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping when they start to increase their mobility. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are a myriad of options there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you might be interested in a mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't overlook the design. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in different colours and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to build and was delivered in a flatpack, with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another alternative for an elegant 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 from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and quality construction impressed our testers however the cost could be a concern for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night however it is essential to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure that your child is snug and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently and cannot be easily removed by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot cribs beds, but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for a long time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and even sofas, allowing you to use it past the infant stage. They are more expensive because they have to support the weight of a child for a longer time. However, they are a great investment if you intend to use them long after your baby is grown.
A cot is among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in any of the sides. If it isn't you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features such as rails for teething, which can help to reduce space and make parenting experience easier. Some cots are simple to put together, which is a great benefit if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available with a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made a toddler bed by removing the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents reported that hers had lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.