How to Choose the Best cots 4 tots in the UK
With its sleek, minimalist design and warm oak finish this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. It is also kept tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A good cot size balances giving your baby the space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most recommended cribs babies up to around three years old. However, some cots 4 tots feature curving corners or other features that can cause issues with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's habits.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress bases which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
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 can be used from birth until your child is four. It has three mattress height settings, that will allow you to easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of your baby's nursery but they have to be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Check for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child may rub their hands because this can cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and present the risk of choking your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to put together and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to make it suitable for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. You should look for an cot that has a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing onto 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. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when buying for a baby but don't forget about style. A cot will be used for a long time so it's crucial to choose one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that look great with the furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot sales which can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child is five, after which it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night It is important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby is snug and secure. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your child could get trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
If you are buying a cot that converts into a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, but should you have any questions you should speak to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for many years. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use it well past the infant stage. They are more expensive because they have to support a heavier child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you plan to use them long after your baby has developed.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't, you will need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots have additional features like a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal for those who are short on time or worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as the most recommended cribs simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents said hers had lasted through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.