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 neat with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This smart crib could be the solution for your fussy baby. It makes soothing sounds that resemble a baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between providing your baby with space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features that can cause issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can exchange a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great option for infants or babies with breathing problems and it can monitor their sleep patterns and aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your baby.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their needs. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings which allow you to reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be secure too. Look for a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should also have a solid flat mattress, and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to verify the date of purchase. Lead paint is toxic for babies. Look for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that may be removed, posing a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots on the market to convert into the toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is another important consideration. It is recommended to choose a cot with at least 50cm of depth to prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses, including spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's 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 style. It is crucial to choose the right cot for the nursery of your baby and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that are perfect for the furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that earned it high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can grow with your child. Mini Cot Bed can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, at which point you can convert it into a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Our test subjects were awed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a little too pricey for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest during the day and night, but it's important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is snug and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke, and you should also check that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively, and can't be easily lifted by your child.
If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, however If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for a long time. The majority of popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it long after the infant stage. They cost more as they have to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However, they are a great investment if you are planning to use them for a long time after your baby has grown.
A cot is among the most important purchases you will make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure that it complies with strict 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 is fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it does not, you will have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help reduce space and make your life as a parent simpler. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mom testers as being the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless design and comes in a range of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It comes with three 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 a footboard. It is available in various sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through 3 children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top choice for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.