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. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this best crib newborn could be the solution. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm by 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most babies until they reach around three years of age. Certain cots might have curved edges or other features that could impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any best crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the size of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's a great option for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress height settings which will help you reach your child easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for your baby's nursery, but they must also be secure. Look for a cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child may rub their hands as this may cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that might be removed, posing the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots available to convert into the toddler bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth to prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You may also want to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing an older cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about the style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a nice feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to build even though it is in a flatpack, complete with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used from 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 test subjects were awed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a little too pricey for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place 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 your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you select a cot with bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may be trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you are buying a cot that converts into a mattress, be sure it complies with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. This information is usually found in the product description of the cot or bed, but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use them past the best infant cribs stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of the larger child for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for the money if you plan to continue using them once your baby is older.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll 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 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, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots are equipped with additional features such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal if you are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic look and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents stated that it lasted for three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.