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. It's also neat by having a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution to soothe your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they reach around three years of age. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that may affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to double check your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are a lot of stores on the high street where you can check out an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. 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 great night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing difficulties and it can track their sleep cycles and aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the level of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth up until your child is four. It has three mattress height settings, that will allow you reach your child easily and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing 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 as well. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets and Cots4Tots bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and pose a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots have additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots to transform into the toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that can be adjusted which means you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
The depth of the cot is a further important factor to consider. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping when they start to grow more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget style. A cot will be used for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that suits the room of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in different colourways and designs that are perfect for any nursery furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that earned it high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a bit expensive for some.
If you select the model with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a cot with bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may be trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the product description or on their website, however if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are made to do that. Many popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you keep using it after the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for the money if you plan to continue using them once your baby is older.
A cot is among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it isn't then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features like storage drawers and teething rails that can help you reduce space and make parenting experience simpler. Others are easy to assemble, which is perfect when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. One of our mom test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It is available in different sizes that will fit your space. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for 3 children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has an open design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into an infant's bed. When your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to an adult bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.