How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a wonderful accessory to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This smart crib could be the solution for your child who is fussy. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to provide your baby with space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most infants until they reach three years old. Some cots may have curving edges or other features that could impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking 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 cot or crib. top rated cots for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's routines.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to set up.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety 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, that will allow you reach your child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding a footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe too. Look for an cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly on the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and present the risk of choking your child.
Some cots have extra features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's simple to put together and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights which means you can make it suitable for your growing child.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're planning to buy a new cot you may be interested in a mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the design. A cot will be used for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for 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 look great with any furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed was a feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to build even though it is in a flatpack, complete with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed by its quality construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night It is important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the product description or on their website, however should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for a long time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it past the infant stage. They cost more as they have to support a heavier child for a longer time. However they are a great investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby has developed.
It's important to make sure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps at all sides. If it is not then you'll need to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots have extra features, such as rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some are simple to put together which is ideal for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It is available in a variety of sizes that will fit your space. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.