How to Choose the best baby cots cots (moved here) in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it neat too.
This best crib is the solution for your fussy baby. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most infants until they are around three years old. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that may alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are cots and tots available at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also worth shopping online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot bed sales and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you are seeking a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues and can also monitor their sleep patterns and help you understand the routines of your little one.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the height of your child's sleeping area as they increase in height. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope Our panel found it easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress options that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding a footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery however, they must be secure too. Find a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to determine the age of the cot. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child may rub their hands because this can cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that could be removed, posing a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery tidy and also has three 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 the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a brand new cot. 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 around PS100 but it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the style. It is essential to select the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any nursery 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 can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi 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 older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however, the price could be a concern for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism operates efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot that has bars that are not properly separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top ranked cribs of the bars. This information is usually included in the description of the product for the cot or bed, but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to accomplish that. Many popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you continue using it well beyond the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for money if you intend to use them until your baby has grown.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you choose meets 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 completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help reduce space and make life as a parent simpler. Others are easy to assemble, which is perfect if you are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. One of our mum testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It comes in various sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into a toddler's bed. When your child grows older, you can then upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.