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 with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It makes soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most infants until they are around three years old. However, some cots come with curving corners 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 a lot of stores on the high street that offer the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can exchange a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. 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 in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their needs. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of your baby's nursery but they must be safe as well. Look for an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should also have a solid flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that might be removed, posing the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots available to convert into an infant bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted, so you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy a new cot, then you might think about a cot mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's well worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when shopping for a baby but remember to think about the design. A cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it's crucial to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in different colourways and designs that look great with the furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a nice feature that earned it high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being 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 into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a little too pricey for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a model that has bars that are not properly separated, your child could get trapped or choke. You should also be sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, be sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. This information is usually included in the product description of the cot or bed, however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are made to do that. Most popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to keep using it after the baby stage. These cost more because they have to support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you plan to use them long after your baby has grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features like a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make parenting life easier. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mom testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. crib sets is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and it can be converted it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.