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. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it tidy too.
If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots have curves or other features which can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating 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 who have breathing issues and can also track their sleep cycles to help you understand the routines of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth up until your child is four. It has three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby's, but they must also be safe. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. best crib for newborn should also have a firm flat mattress, and not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Examine for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, since this could cause irritation to the skin. 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 are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's easy to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also has an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from escaping when they begin to grow more mobile. It is also important to consider the type of mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you might be interested in a mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100 however it's worthwhile for peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. But don't forget style. A cot will be used for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that suits the room of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that look great with any furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed was a feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and 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 an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed with its quality construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a bit costly for some.
If you choose the 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 works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model that has bars that are too closely separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, be sure it complies with 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. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to accomplish that. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it well beyond the baby stage. These cost more because they are required to support a heavier child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby is developed.
A cot is among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it is not then you'll have to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features like a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help save space and make your parenting life simpler. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It comes in different sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has a modular design which allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be converted into an infant's bed. When your child is older you can upgrade to the junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.