How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails help keep it neat and tidy.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution for your fussy baby. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach three years old. Some cots could have curved edges or other features that may impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to check the cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return any cot that isn't what you want. 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 are looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating 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 is a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and it can track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the routines of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's a great option for small bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings which allow you reach your baby easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding the footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Check for signs that the cot has been used, particularly on the sides, where children might rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and pose an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You may also want to think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing an older cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the style. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it's important to find one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with any furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to build, even though it comes in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be transformed to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our testers however the cost might be a problem for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest both at night and during the day, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them carefully to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too closely spaced, your baby may be trapped or choke. You should also be sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. The majority of cots and cots will have this information included in the product description or on their website, but if you have any concerns you should speak to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for a long time. Most popular cots can be converted into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it long after the baby stage. These cost more because they must support an overweight child for longer. However they are a great investment if you intend to use them long after your baby is grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that most recommended cribs is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it does not, you will have to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It comes in different sizes that will fit your space. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is an open design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and it can be converted it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.