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 strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it neat too.
This smart crib could be the solution for your child who is fussy. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the right size to allow your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for babies between three and four years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features which can result in issues with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
There are a lot of shops on the high streets where you can check out the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. You can also get a better feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's a great choice for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing difficulties and it can track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the routines of your baby.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the height of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for your baby's nursery, but they must also be safe. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Look for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers as these can peel off and create a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to put together and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping when they begin to increase their mobility. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses that include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you might also think about a cot mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby, but don't forget about style. It is essential to select a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that look great with any furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and fashionable. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the benefit of being able grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, when you can convert it into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our testers however the cost may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too closely spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the product description of cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are made to do that. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of a larger child for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to use them until your baby has grown.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure it meets 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's fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.
recommended cribs come with extra features such as a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help you save space and make your parenting experience easier. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a 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 kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition a side it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. If your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.