How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow and not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. 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 feature curves or other features that can cause issues with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are a lot of stores on the high street where you can check out an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you know your child's behavior.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant 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 option for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to set up.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress options that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be secure. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy 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 too old since paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing the risk of choking your child.
cots offers are equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into a toddler bed. It 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 baby grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from escaping as they increase their mobility. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about style. A cot will be used for a long period of time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement the furniture and interiors of your nursery that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to put together and was delivered in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy design and smooth oval shape but it may be a bit expensive for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. This information is typically included in the product description of cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for many years. Most popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive because they have to support the weight of the larger child for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your baby is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it does not then you'll need to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with extra features like teething rails that can help to save space and make parenting life easier. Others are easy to assemble which is 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 our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a classic look and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress height positions and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It is available in various sizes that will suit your space. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through 3 children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.