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.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to give your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features which can create problems with the size of a mattress, so it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It is a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and it can track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the habits of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the size of your child's bed as they grow. It's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress options that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe. Choose an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're purchasing a used cot, make sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and create an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots available to transform into the toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out when they start to increase their mobility. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll require, as there are a myriad of options available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. If you're purchasing an older cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. But don't overlook the style. A cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to build, even though it comes in a flatpack, complete with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child turns five years old. old, when it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a little too pricey for some.
If you select an item with bars that are too close together your child could be 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 model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns you should speak to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use it past the infant stage. They cost more as they must support a heavier child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby has grown.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival It is crucial 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 check that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps in all of the sides. If it does not then you'll need to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with extra features such as teething rails that can help reduce space and make parenting experience easier. Some are simple to put together which is ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. One of our mom test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. cribs Cots For Tots comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents said hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.