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 neat and tidy.
If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot is the ideal size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they reach three years of age. However, some cots have curves or other features that can cause issues with the fitting of a mattress, so it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you purchase.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. It's also worth shopping online, since 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 a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to get a good night's rest. This Internet page can be placed in any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features a removable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, that will allow you to reach your child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby however, they must be secure. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you are purchasing a second-hand crib, be sure to determine the age of the cot. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly on the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing a choking risk to your child.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's very easy to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots on the market to convert into an infant bed. The cot has an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that can be adjusted that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing baby.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from escaping when they begin to become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing an older cot, you'll want to consult an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about the style. A cot will be in use for a long time so it is essential to choose one that suits the room of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is 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 from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its quality construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a little too pricey for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night however it is essential that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you select a cot that has bars that are not properly separated, your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of 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 most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it well beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they are required to support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However, they are a great investment if you are planning to use them for a long time after your baby has developed.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with additional features, such as storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help save space and make life as a parent easier. Some are simple to put together which is ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together yourself. One of our mom testers gave 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 a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It is available in different sizes that will fit your room. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of a side it can be converted into a toddler's bed. If your child grows older, you can make the switch to the junior bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.