How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails help keep it tidy too.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow and not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. mini cot beds should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach three years of age. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that could alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions which means you can alter the height of your child's bed as they expand. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress heights, which allow you to easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of your baby's nursery however, they must be safe as well. Choose an cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Check for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and present a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's simple to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three adjustable heights which means you can use it for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to shield the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, but it is well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. However, 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 cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've chosen 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 fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is 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 convert it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality design and smooth oval shape but it may be a bit expensive for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day, but it's important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently and isn't easily lifted by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and 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 retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. Most popular cots can be converted into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you continue using it long after the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for the money if you plan to continue using them once your baby is older.
A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure that it complies with strict 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 completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help to reduce space and make your parenting life simpler. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together. One of our mum testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your space, and one of our test parents said hers had lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has a modular design which allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of a side it can be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child grows older, you can upgrade to the junior bed. It's also a top option for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.