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 and a handy anti bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib is the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It makes soft sounds that sound like a mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size balances giving your baby the space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they reach three years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features that can result in issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your needs. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you better know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalist cot is constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It has a range of mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their needs. It's a great choice for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth up until your child is four. It has three mattress options 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 crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be safe too. Find an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Look for indications that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and present a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots to convert into an infant bed. The cot also has an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from escaping when they start to grow more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are a myriad of options available from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing an older cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby but don't forget about style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and stylish. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child is five, when it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our testers however, the price might be a problem for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day however it is essential to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too closely spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. You should also make sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time and some models are designed to accomplish that. The majority of popular cots can be converted into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you continue using it long after the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for money if you intend to continue using them once your child is older.
cot sets is among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it isn't, you will need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal if you are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. One of our mum test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless look and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It is available in various sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our testers said hers lasted through three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top choice for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.