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 its top rails keep it tidy too.
This crib is the answer for your fussy baby. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features that can result in issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a better feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features a removable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. 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 options that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for your baby's nursery however, they must be safe. Choose a cot that is marked 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 not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Check for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that may be removed, posing the risk of choking your child.
Some cots have additional features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots to transform into an infant bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth in order to stop your child from climbing out when they begin to increase their mobility. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to safeguard against stains or spills. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby, but don't forget about style. A cot will be used for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that is suitable for the room of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs to match the furniture and interiors of your nursery you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot could be. see more -bed storage drawer is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, after which it can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality design and smooth oval shape but it may be a little too pricey for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night, but it's important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model that has bars that are not properly separated, your child could get trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure 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 on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns you should speak to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use it past the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive because they have to support the weight of a larger child for a longer period, 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 and it is essential to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps on all sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots also come with extra features like storage drawers and teething rails that can help you save space and make life as a parent simpler. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mom testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless style and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has an open design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and it can be converted it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.