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 and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails will help keep it neat and tidy.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It makes soothing sounds that resemble a mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features that could result in issues with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
There are plenty of stores on the high street that offer the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can return a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking 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 a great choice for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and it can monitor their sleep patterns, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features a removable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's a great option for small bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings that will allow you easily reach your baby and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in an additional footboard. crib sets is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby's, but they must also be safe. Choose a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to determine the date of purchase. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and pose an choking risk to your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's easy to assemble, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs to transform 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 use it for your growing child.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out when they start to grow more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. This will cost you about PS100 however it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't overlook the style. It's important to choose the right cot for the nursery of your baby and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that are perfect for the furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish 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 from birth as a cot, or until your child turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed by its quality design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a little too pricey for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to sleep during the day and night however it is essential that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you select a model with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily removed by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for an extended period of time. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use it well beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for the money if you plan to keep using them after your baby has grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is 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 are also equipped with additional features, such as teething rails that can help you 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 by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be transformed to 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 variety of sizes to fit your space, and one of our test parents stated that hers had lasted through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted 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. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.