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 wonderful addition to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it neat too.
This smart crib could be the solution for your fussy baby. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A good cot is the perfect size to provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they reach around three years of age. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that may alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies with breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It has a range of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their needs. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings that will allow you to reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be secure too. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to determine the date of purchase. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and present the risk of choking your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's simple to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable, so you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, it's worth getting an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot but don't forget about the 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. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in different colourways and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to construct even though it is in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, when you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval finish and quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price might be a problem for some.
If you select the model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. Also, top ranked cribs should make sure the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the product description or on their website, but should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you keep using it after the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of a larger child for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to continue using them once your baby is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If top ranked cribs doesn't, you will have to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help you save space and make parenting life easier. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together yourself. One of our mum test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot by the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space. 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 adapted into various configurations. The mini model is ideal 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 chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.