How to Choose the best crib 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 plastic strip on the top rails help keep it neat too.
This crib is the solution for your fussy baby. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A good cot is the right size to allow your baby cots on sale room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to fit most babies until they reach three years old. However, some cots have curves or other features that could create problems with the fit of a mattress, so it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for 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 looking for the best cots Uk cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or best crib. It's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues and can also track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the routines of your baby.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's a great option for small bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, 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 which allow you to reach your child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby however, they must be secure. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Check for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child may rub their hands since this could cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that may fall off, creating a choking risk to your child.
Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots available to transform into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out there from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying an entirely new cot, you might also be interested in a mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. If you're buying an older cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby 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 time so it's important to find one that matches the room of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to put together even though it is in a flatpack, complete with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the functionality of being 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 old. old, when it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night however it is essential to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you select a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. you should also check that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to 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 across the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use them past the infant stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support the weight of a child for a longer time. However, they are a great investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby is grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with extra features like a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help to save space and make your life as a parent easier. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it together yourself. One of our mum testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents said hers had lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is a modular design which allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be converted into an infant's bed. Once your child grows older, you can then upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.