How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails keep it neat too.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution to soothe your baby who is a bit fussy. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble a mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the right size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots have curved corners or other features that could create problems with the size of a mattress, so it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are many stores on the high street where you can browse the wide selection of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return any cot that isn't what you want. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress base positions which means you can alter the size of your child's bed as they expand. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable 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 taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be safe. Look for a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Look for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, since this could cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could fall off, creating a choking risk to your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots on the market to transform into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that can be adjusted, so you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to match the furniture and interiors of your nursery that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The under-bed storage drawer was a nice feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another alternative for an elegant 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 as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, when you can convert it into a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our testers, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily lowered by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the product description of cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it long after the infant stage. These cost more because they must support an overweight child for longer. However they are a great investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby is grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it is not then you'll need to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like storage drawers and teething rails that can help to reduce space and make parenting life easier. Some are simple to put together and are ideal for those who are 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 our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It is available in various sizes that will fit your space. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for cots4tots.co.uk three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be converted into a toddler's bed. If your child is older you can make the switch to an adult bed. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.