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's also tidy with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It makes soothing sounds that resemble the sound of a mother's womb.
Size
A good cot is the ideal size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that can cause issues with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return any cot that isn't what you want. 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 the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot listens to your baby's crying 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 used in any cot or crib. It is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues, and it can even track their sleep cycles to help you understand the habits of your baby.
cots offers is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their needs. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety 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 settings that let you 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 cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby's However, they must be secure. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where children might rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that could be removed, posing a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots have extra features like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots available to transform into the toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery tidy, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from climbing out as they increase their mobility. It is also worth thinking about the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out there from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying an entirely new cot, you may want to consider a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. This will cost you around PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook the design. It is essential to select the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with the furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack, complete 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 that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. older, at which point it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our test subjects were awed by its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish but it may be a little too pricey for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism operates efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model with 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 safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will have this information included in the description of the product 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 an extended period of time. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it long after the baby stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to continue using them once your child is older.
It's important to make sure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features like storage drawers and teething rails that can help to reduce space and make your parenting life easier. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a classic style and comes in a range of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. cots 4 tots comes with a modular design which allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be converted into an infant's bed. When your child is older you can then upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.