How to Choose the Best Cots uk 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 keep it neat and tidy.
If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots come with curves or other features that could result in issues with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also worth shopping online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each sale cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's routines.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed from solid beech and features an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the level of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress settings that 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 comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be secure too. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, particularly on the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may fall off, creating an choking risk for your baby.
Some cots have extra features like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and cots offers practical. It's easy to put together, and all 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-sized bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery tidy and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping when they begin to grow more mobile. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, but it is well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby, but don't forget about the style. It is crucial to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that look great with the furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was an added feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to build even though it is in a flatpack with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a bit expensive for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke, and you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily lowered by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites 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, however if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for an extended period of time. The majority of popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it long after the infant stage. These tend to cost more 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 keep using them after your baby is older.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it doesn't you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots have additional features like a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or are concerned about putting them together. One of our mom testers rated the John Lewis cot sales-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless style and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to 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 match your room, and one of our test parents said hers had lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is an modular design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini cotbed model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and it can be converted it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.