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 will help keep it neat and tidy.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution to soothe your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size balances providing your baby with space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they are around three years old. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features that can result in issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is important to double-check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you are seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies with breathing difficulties and can also monitor their sleep patterns and help you understand the routines of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalistic cot is made of solid beech and has a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their needs. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to construct.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby However, they must be safe. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where children may rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers because they can come off and pose the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots on the market to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is another important consideration. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are a variety of options out available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying an older cot, you'll want to consult an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook the style. It's important to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with the furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot could be. crib sets under the bed was an added feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the functionality of being able grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, when it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our testers, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.
If you select the model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily dropped by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you must also ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and effectively and isn't easily removed by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the description of the product for the cot or bed, but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your baby has grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it isn't you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots have extra features, such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. One of our mom testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be transformed into an infant's bed. When your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.