How to Choose the best cots uk (Recommended Browsing) Cots 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 with a drawer as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This smart crib could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot is the ideal size to provide your baby with room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, that should be enough for infants up to three years old. However, some cots have curves or other features which can cause issues with the fitting of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can return the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also worth shopping online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's habits.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the height of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's also a great option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot sale, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress height settings, which will help you reach your baby easily, and can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that is toxic to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, particularly on the sides, where children could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could fall off, creating the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's easy to put together and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your cheap baby cots grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options available from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot, then you may be interested in a mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100, but it is worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when shopping for a Baby Crib, but don't forget about the style. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it's important to find one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to complement any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to build even though it is in a flatpack, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the benefit of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, after which you can transform it into a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our testers however, the price could be a concern for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too closely separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also make sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you're buying an cot that converts to a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are made to do that. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to keep using them after your child is older.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it isn't then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots come with extra features like teething rails that can help to reduce space and make your parenting experience easier. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless design and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The Mini Cot Bed model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition the side, it could be transformed into an infant's bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to the junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.