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 strip of plastic on the top rails keep it neat and tidy.
This crib is the answer for your baby who is a bit fussy. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the sound of a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the ideal size to allow your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm by 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most babies until they are around three years old. However, Baby beds come with curved corners or other features that could create problems with the size of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are a lot of stores on the high street where you can browse a wide range of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues and it can monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the habits of your little one.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made out of solid beech, and comes with a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress bases which means you can alter the height of your child's bed as they increase in height. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to construct.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings, that will allow you reach your child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby However, they must be secure. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are purchasing a second-hand crib, be sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, particularly on the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that could be removed, posing the risk of choking your child.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's easy to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler-sized bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep in order to stop your child from escaping when they begin to become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100 however it's worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget style. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it's crucial to choose one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, when you can transform it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its smooth oval finish and quality construction impressed our testers, but the price tag might be a problem for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night It is important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is snug and secure. If you select a cot that has bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the description of the product for the cot or bed, but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to accomplish that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use them past the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your baby is older.
A cot is among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it is not then you'll have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots come with extra features such as rails for teething, which can help you reduce space and make life as a parent easier. Some cots are simple to put together, which is a great benefit in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic design and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by removing one side of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into an infant's bed. Once your child grows older, you can then upgrade to a junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.