How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It responds with soft sounds that sound like a mother's womb.
Size
Baby Cot strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. Some cots could have curving edges or other features that could affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can return the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties, and it can even track their sleep cycles to aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the level of your child's sleeping area as they expand. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that let you 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 comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital 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 firm flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and create the risk of choking your child.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's simple 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 neat. It also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is an additional important factor to consider. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become mobile. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. If you're buying an older cot, it's worth getting a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when shopping for a baby, but don't forget about style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that are perfect for any furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed was a nice feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the functionality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our testers however the cost may be a hindrance for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay both at night and during the day It is important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure that your child is snug and secure. If you choose a model that has bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. You should also be sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you are buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, however If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. Many popular cots can be converted into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive because they have to support the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for money if you intend to keep using them after your baby is older.
A cot is among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots come with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails that can help to reduce space and make your parenting life easier. Some cots are easy to put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mum testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It is available in a variety of sizes that will fit your space. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for 3 children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has an modular design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.