How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails help keep it tidy too.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble a mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. Certain cots might have curved edges or other features that could impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to check the cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. It's also worth shopping online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. cots 4 tots will help your baby get a good night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It has a range of mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. cots offers has three mattress height settings, that will allow you to easily reach your baby, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby's, but they must also be secure. Find a cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're purchasing a used cot, make sure to determine the date of purchase. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where children could rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that could fall off, creating the risk of choking your child.
Some cots have additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to assemble, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to make it suitable for your growing child.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping as they grow more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying an older cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when buying for a baby but don't forget about style. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it's important to find one that matches your baby's room and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds are available in different colourways and designs that 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 wonderful example of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the benefit of being able grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, at which point it can be converted to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke. it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and effectively, and can't be easily lifted by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will have this information in the product description or on their website, but should you have any questions you should speak to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are made to do that. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it long after the baby stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer period, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your baby has grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in any of the sides. If it does not, you will need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features such as teething rails that can help to save space and make your life as a parent simpler. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. One of our mom test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then try this can be converted into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents said it lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is a modular design which allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into a toddler's bed. If your child is older you can make the switch to an adult bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics with our panel-loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.