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 help keep it tidy too.
This crib is the solution to soothe your fussy baby. tots and cots responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the right size to provide your baby with space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features which can create problems with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return any cot that does not meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you know your child's behavior.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the level of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, which allow you to reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby's However, they must be safe. Find an cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child may rub their hands since this could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and present a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to assemble, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that are adjustable, so you can use it for your growing baby.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out when they start to become more mobile. It is also important to consider the type of cot mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's well worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. However, don't forget about style. A cot will be in use for a long time so it's important to find one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with any furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. The cot is simple to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that is able to 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 convert it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and quality construction impressed our testers however, the price could be a concern for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. 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 may want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. Many popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you keep using it after the baby stage. They cost more as they are required to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you plan to use them long after your baby has grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't you'll have to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as teething rails that can help to save space and make your life as a parent simpler. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect if you are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together. One of our mom testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents said hers lasted through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts 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. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.