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. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails help keep it neat and tidy.
This smart crib could be the answer for your fussy baby. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A good cot is the perfect size to allow your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to fit most babies until they are around three years old. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that could impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are many shops on the high streets where you can browse an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for the best crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues and can also monitor their sleep patterns and help you understand the habits of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. This minimalist cot is constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings, and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, which allow you to easily reach your baby and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's however, they must 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 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're purchasing a used crib, be sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where children could rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and present the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, such as 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 easy to assemble and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights, so you can make it suitable for your growing baby.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're planning to buy a new cot you may think about a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. If you're buying an older cot, it's worth getting 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
When shopping for a child it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that are perfect for the furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though 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 from birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. of age, at which point it could be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a little too pricey for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively and isn't easily lifted by your child.
If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, but If you are concerned you should speak to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are made to do that. Many popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it long after the baby stage. These are more expensive because they have to support the weight of a larger child for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to keep using them after your baby is older.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If Baby beds does not then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help you 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 together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a timeless design 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 transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform 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 to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and smooth oval shape.