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 as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it neat too.
If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the perfect size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curves or other features which can result in issues with the fit of a mattress. Therefore, it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
There are many stores on the high street where you can check out an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who have 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 fantastic alternative. This minimalist cot is constructed from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the size of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and can be used 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 transformed into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, but they must be secure too. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should also have a firm 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 crib, be sure to check the age of it. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Examine 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 could fall off, creating the risk of choking your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's easy to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights which means you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from escaping when they start to increase their mobility. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy a new cot you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's well worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby but don't forget about the design. It's important to choose the right cot for the nursery of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in a variety of colors and designs to match any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot can be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and fashionable. cribs beds is easy to put together, despite the fact that it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and quality construction impressed our testers, but the price tag might be a problem for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night It is important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is snug and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively and isn't easily lifted by your child.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the description of the product for cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time, and some models are made to do that. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to continue using them once your baby is older.
A cot is among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is fully slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it does not then you'll have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots come with additional features like teething rails. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and images.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your space. One of our test parents reported that it lasted for three children.
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, but with the addition an additional side, it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. Once your child grows older, you can then upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.