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 neat too.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the right size to provide your baby with space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach three years of age. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features that could cause issues with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
There are a lot of retailers on the high street where you can check out an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return any cot that isn't what you want. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you are seeking a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety of mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for your Baby Crib's nursery however, they must be safe. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child may rub their hands as this may cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and present the risk of choking your child.
Some cots come with additional features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into an infant bed. The cot sale comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable, so you can make it suitable for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is an additional important aspect to consider. It is recommended to choose the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you might also think about a cot mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget style. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in different colourways and designs that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you have chosen for your best baby cots's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another alternative 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 older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and quality construction impressed our testers however the cost could be a concern for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. Additionally, you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and isn't easily lifted by your child.
If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will have this information included in the product description or on their website, but should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for a long time. The majority of popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the baby stage. They cost more as they are required to support a heavier child for longer. However they are a great investment if you plan to use them long after your baby is developed.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps on all sides. If it is not then you'll need to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots have additional features like teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with 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 expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.