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 a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.
If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that can impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to double check your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby to get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you better know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It has a range of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth up until your child is four. It comes with three mattress settings that 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 FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be secure. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Look for indications that the cot has been used, particularly around the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could peel off, posing an choking risk for your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's really easy to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots available to transform into a toddler bed. The cot 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 child grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping when they start to increase their mobility. There are many options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a new cot. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, but it is worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about the style. It is essential to select a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in various colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot can be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to build even though it is in a flatpack with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish functional cot. Full File combines the style of Scandi with the functionality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, when you can transform it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our test subjects were awed by its quality construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to lay during the day and night, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them carefully to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you select a cot with bars that are too closely separated, your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure 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 is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for many years. Most popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it long after the baby stage. These are more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to continue using them once your child is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps in any of the sides. If it is not then you'll need to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or are concerned about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mom testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes in 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 an additional footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will fit your space. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through 3 children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with an modular design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child grows older, you can then upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.