How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails will help keep it neat too.
This crib is the solution for your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds with soft sounds that sound like a womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the right size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features that can create problems with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can check out an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great choice for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues and it can monitor their sleep patterns and help you understand the routines of your infant.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features a removable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's a great option for small bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for your baby's nursery, but they must also be secure. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress, and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that is toxic to babies. Look for cots 4 tots that the cot was used, particularly on the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that might be removed, posing an choking risk for your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots available to transform into the toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping when they begin to grow more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are a myriad of options available from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. This service will cost you around PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up on safety and spec when shopping for a baby but don't forget about the style. A cot will be used for a long time so it's important to find one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that are perfect for any furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a nice feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to build, even though it comes in a flatpack, complete with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality 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, at which point it can be converted to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however, the price may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you must also ensure that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the product description or on their website, but if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last a long time and some models are designed to do just that. The majority of popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it long after the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your baby has grown.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you will make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots also come with extra features like teething rails that can help to save space and make parenting life easier. Some are simple to put together and are ideal for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your space, and one of our test parents said it lasted for three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be converted into an infant's bed. If your child grows older, you can then upgrade to a junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.