How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. It's also tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot is the ideal size to provide your baby with room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that could create problems with the fit of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are a lot of retailers on the high street that offer the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot monitors the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you better know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed from solid beech, features a removable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions which means you can alter the size of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings that will allow you reach your child 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 cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby however, they must be safe. Find a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is harmful to babies. Check for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands as this may cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and present the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots have additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots on the market to transform into a toddler bed. The cot comes with 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 child.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the style. A cot will be used for a long time so it is essential to choose one that suits the room of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, teething recommended you read and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to build, even though it comes in a flatpack, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able to grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, at which point it can be converted to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest during the day and night however it is essential that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you're buying an cot that converts to a mattress, make sure it complies with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The majority of popular cots can be converted into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to keep using it after the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your baby has grown.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps in any of the sides. If it does not, you will have to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with extra features such as a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help reduce space and make life as a parent simpler. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal for those who are short on time or worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It is available in different sizes that will suit your space. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and smooth oval shape.