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 an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails help keep it tidy too.
This crib is the answer for your baby who is a bit fussy. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between providing your baby with space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to fit most babies until they reach three years of age. However, some cots come with curves or other features that can create problems with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is important to check your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are plenty of retailers on the high street that offer an array of cots, Cots4Tots such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has a removable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, and our panel 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 variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth up until your child is four. It comes with three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for your baby's nursery, but they must also be safe. Look for a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where children could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may fall off, creating the risk of choking your child.
Some cots come with additional features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's easy to put together and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the easiest cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that can be adjusted that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out when they start to become more mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You might also consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. But don't overlook the design. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack, complete with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able to '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. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however the cost could be a concern for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day It is important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
If you are buying a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. This information is usually found in the product description of the cot or bed, but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for an extended period of time. Many popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it long after the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your baby has grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it does not, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots come with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mom testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available with a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents reported that hers had lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition the side, it could be converted into the bed of a toddler. When your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.