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. It is also kept tidy by having a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution to soothe your baby who is a bit fussy. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the right size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. Some cots may have curving edges or other features that may impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies with breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's routines.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress base positions which means you can alter the level of your child's bed as they increase in height. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. 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 can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings, which allow you to reach your child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby however, they must be safe. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is 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're buying a used crib, be sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that could peel off, posing an choking risk for your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots available to convert into the toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean, and has 3 adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important factor to consider. You should look for a cot with at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot when they become more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're considering buying a new cot you might want to consider a cot mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It can be 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. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to complement any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a nice feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to put together and was delivered in a flatpack, with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, after which you can transform it into a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a bit expensive for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night It is important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. Additionally, you must also ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
If you are buying a cot that converts into a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the product description or on their website, however If you are concerned you should speak to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last a long time, and certain 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 tend to be more expensive because they have to support the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your child is older.
It's important to make sure that the cot you select 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 on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots come with additional features such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are easy to assemble and are ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. Baby Cot Bed of our mom testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and comes with a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your space, and one of our test parents said hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition the side, it could be transformed into an infant's bed. If your child is older you can then upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.