How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your fussy baby. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a womb.
Size
A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most infants until they are around three years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that can affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can return a cot that doesn't fit your needs. 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 appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range 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 allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding the footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe too. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could be removed, posing the risk of choking your child.
Some cots have additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots to convert into the toddler bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable, so you can use it for your growing baby.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from escaping when they begin to grow more mobile. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot you may want to consider a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby but remember to think about style. It is essential to select the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in various 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 is a great illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, after which you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality design and smooth oval shape but it may be a bit expensive for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to lay during the day and night It is important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby is snug and secure. If you select a cot that has bars that are too closely separated, your child could become trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have 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 ensure.
cheap cots are built to last for an extended period of time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it well beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to use them until your baby is older.
It's important to make sure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's website 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 separate mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features such as teething rails, which can help to save space and make your parenting experience simpler. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal when you're not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. One of our mom testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless style and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has an open design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.