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's also neat with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child 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 should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. Some cots may have curving edges or other features that may affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are many stores on the high street that offer an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating 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 is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing problems, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the routines of your baby.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their needs. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for your baby's nursery however, they must be secure. Look for an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to determine the date of purchase. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing an choking risk for your child.
Some cots have additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. cots to tots of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's simple to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also comes with an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized and also has three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for an cot that has at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll need, since there are a variety of options out available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you might also be interested in a mattress protector to safeguard against stains or spills. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100 however it's well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the design. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it's important to find one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child turns five years old. older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers however, the price may be a hindrance for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day however it is essential that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully 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. Additionally, you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use it well past the infant stage. They are more expensive because they have to support a heavier child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you intend to use them long after your baby has developed.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it is not then you'll have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails that can help reduce space and make parenting life simpler. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents stated that hers had lasted through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.