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 accessory to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. Some cots may have curving edges or other features that may impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a better feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock 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. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with a removable panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the level of your child's sleeping area as they expand. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings which allow you to reach your baby easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The cot includes 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 as well. Look for a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which is harmful to babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, because this can cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and create a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to assemble 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 comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing baby.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose a cot with at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, it's worth getting an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget style. A cot will be in use for a long time so it's important to find one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to complement any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, when you can convert it into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a little too pricey for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. You should also be sure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the product description or on their website, but should you have any questions you should speak to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for a long time. Many popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it long after the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your baby is older.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and check that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as rails for teething, which can help you reduce space and make your life as a parent easier. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit if you're short on time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. cots 4 tots , for example was rated by one of our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three 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 the footboard. cots offers 's also available in a range of sizes to fit your space, and one of our test parents said hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be transformed into an infant's bed. Once your child is older you can make the switch to a junior bed. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.