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 as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it tidy too.
If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot is the perfect size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features that can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also worth shopping online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It is a great option for infants or babies who have breathing issues and can also monitor their sleep patterns and aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions which means you can alter the height of your child's bed as they grow. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, 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 until the time your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings which allow you to easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be safe as well. Find a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're purchasing a used cot, make sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Look for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may peel off, posing a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's simple to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that are adjustable, so you can make it suitable for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is an additional important factor to consider. You should look for an cot that has at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you might be interested in a mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100 however it's worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when shopping for a baby but remember to think about style. It is crucial to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors 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 can be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able grow with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. old, when it can be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and quality construction impressed our testers however, the price may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily dropped by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, however should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for many years. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it past the infant stage. These tend to cost more because they have to support the weight of an adult for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for the money if you plan to keep using them after your baby is older.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is fully slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots come with extra features like storage drawers and teething rails, which can help to save space and make your life as a parent easier. best cot beds are simple put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and then 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 the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.