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. It is also kept tidy with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the ideal size to allow your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most infants until they are around three years of age. However, some cots have curved corners or other features that could result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are a lot of stores on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems and it can monitor their sleep patterns and help you understand the routines of your little one.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's bed as they expand. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to set up.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth up 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 converted into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding the footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be safe. Find a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly around the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that could peel off, posing a choking risk to your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom 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 easiest cribs to convert into a toddler-sized bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is a further important consideration. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping when they begin to become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. top ranked cribs is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100, but it is worth it 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. But don't overlook the style. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it is essential to choose one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the benefit of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years of age, at which point it could be transformed to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality design and smooth oval shape but it may be a little too pricey for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to lay both at night and during the day, but it's important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you choose a cot with bars that are too closely separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, but should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time and some models are made to do that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they have to support a heavier child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby is grown.
A cot is among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it does not then you'll have to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help to reduce space and make your life as a parent easier. Some cots are simple to put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mom testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It comes in different sizes that will fit your space. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for 3 children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. It's also a top pick for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.