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 by having a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This crib is the solution to soothe your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they reach around three years of age. However, some cots feature curves or other features that could result in issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It is a great option for infants or babies with breathing problems and can also monitor their sleep patterns and aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases that allows you to alter the height of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress options that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be safe as well. Choose an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying sale cot , ensure it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that is toxic to babies. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing the risk of choking your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant 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 has an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping when they begin to increase their mobility. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you might also be interested in a mattress protector to safeguard against stains or spills. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the design. It is crucial to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to complement any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot could be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was an added 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 simple to put together, even though it is delivered flat, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. older, at which point it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality design and smooth oval shape but it may be a bit expensive for some.
If you select the model with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are not properly separated, your child could be trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, however If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for many years. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use them past the infant stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support the weight of a child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby is developed.
A cot is among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it does not, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots come with additional features like a drawer for storage or teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mum testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless style and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot by the addition a footboard. It is available in various sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has an modular design that allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into a toddler's bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.