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. It is also kept tidy with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble a womb.
Size
cots offers is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they are around three years old. However, some cots come with curves or other features that can result in issues with the size of a mattress, so it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are many stores on the high street where you can browse the wide selection of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding 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. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalistic cot is made of solid beech and has a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It has a range of mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital 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. It should also have a solid flat mattress, and not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Look for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands since this could cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that might peel off, posing an choking risk for your child.
Some cots have extra features such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into the toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. You should choose a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become mobile. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out there from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you may want to consider a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about the design. It is essential to select the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in different colourways and designs that will look great with the furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to construct and was delivered in a flatpack, with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years old. old, when it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy design and smooth oval shape but it may be a bit expensive for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to lay during the day and night It is important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively, and can't be easily lifted by your child.
If you're buying an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, however if you have any concerns you should speak to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for a long time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use them beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for money if you intend to continue using them once your baby is older.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't, you will need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like rails for teething, which can help reduce space and make life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and images.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents said hers lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is a modular design which allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and then into a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.