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 neat with a drawer as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib is the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It responds to their cry with soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. cot sales could have curves or other features that can impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are plenty of stores on the high street that offer an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can exchange a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing difficulties and can also track their sleep cycles and help you understand the routines of your infant.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the level of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby's However, they must be secure. Look for a cot that is certified to meet the British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should also have a solid flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where children could rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers as these can peel off and create an choking risk to your child.
Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots available to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose an cot that has a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of mattress you'll need, as there are a myriad of options available from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's well worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby but don't forget about the design. A cot is going to be used for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to match any furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is simple to put together, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the benefit of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, after which you can transform it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its sleek oval design and quality construction impressed our testers however, the price might be a problem for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily removed by your child.
If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. The majority of cots and cots will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns you should speak to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for many years. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use them beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they have to support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to use them for a long time after your baby is developed.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help you save space and make life as a parent easier. Some cots are easy to put together, which is great in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of the footboard. It comes in various sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be converted into the bed of a toddler. Once your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.