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. It's also tidy with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your fussy baby. 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 and not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. Some cots could have curving edges or other features that may impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are a lot of shops on the high streets where you can browse a wide range of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It has a range of mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's also a good option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope 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, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for your baby's nursery however, they must be safe. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not overly old, as paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where children could rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that may be removed, posing the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's simple to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
The depth of the cot is another important consideration. You should choose an cot that has at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out available from foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the style. A cot will be used for a long time so it's crucial to choose one that matches the room of your baby and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of styles and colours that are perfect for any nursery furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed was a nice feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and stylish. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child is five, when you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag might be a problem for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby is snug and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely separated, your child could get trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it complies with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the product description or on their website, however If you are concerned you should speak to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you keep using it after the baby stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your child is older.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you will make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't, you will have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like rails for teething, which can help reduce space and make your life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together. One of our mom testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. cot sales comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It has 3 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 the footboard. It comes in different sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be converted into a toddler's bed. When your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to a junior bed. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.