How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it neat too.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution to soothe your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to allow your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they reach around three years old. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that can affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can browse an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. This minimalistic cot is made out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress bases that allows you to alter the level of your child's sleeping area as they expand. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until your child is four. It has three mattress options that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be safe too. Choose a cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly around the sides, where children might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and create an choking risk to your child.
Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that can be adjusted that allow you to use it for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is a further important consideration. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth to prevent your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot, then you might also think about a cot mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook the design. tots and cots will be used for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to match the furniture and interiors of your nursery that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, 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 that is 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, after which it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and quality construction impressed our testers, but the price tag might be a problem for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night however it is essential that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke, and you must also ensure that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently and isn't easily removed by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for many years. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it well beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for money if you intend to use them until your baby is older.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it isn't then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features like storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help you save space and make your parenting experience simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and images.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a classic design and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents said hers lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has an modular design that allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition a side it can be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child grows older, you can then upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.