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 strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size balances giving your baby room to grow and not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots come with curves or other features that could create problems with the size of a mattress, therefore it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are plenty of shops on the high streets where you can check out the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can exchange a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. You can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies with breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's habits.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases that allows you to alter the level of your child's bed as they expand. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it simple to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings, which allow you to easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe too. Look for a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may 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 present an choking risk to your child.
Some cots have additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's easy to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that are adjustable which means you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. It is also important to consider the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out there from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you may be interested in a mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. If you're buying an older cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's well worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook the style. It is crucial to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to match any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a nice feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to put together even though it is in a flatpack, with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another option for an elegant 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 is five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are not properly separated, your child could become trapped or choke. online cots should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you are buying a cot that converts into a mattress, be sure it complies with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of the cot or bed, but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use them beyond the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However, they are a great investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby has developed.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help to save space and make parenting life easier. Others are simple to assemble, which is perfect when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic design and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents said hers had lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition the side, it could be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child grows older, you can make the switch to an adult bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.