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 a handy anti bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution for your baby who is a bit fussy. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. Some cots could have curved edges or other features that may alter the size of a bed mattress. affordable cots is therefore crucial to check the cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can browse an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can return a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. You can also get a better idea for the size 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 will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's habits.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until the time 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 the side panels off 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 a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that could peel off, posing the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots have extra features such as 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 simple to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth in order to stop your child from climbing out as they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the type of mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out available from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. This service will cost you about PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about style. It is essential to select a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs that can be matched to the furniture and interiors of your nursery that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, 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 simple to build even though it is in a flatpack, with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another option for a stylish 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 right from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag might be a problem for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day, but it's important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them closely to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for the cot or bed, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it long after the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive because they have to support the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your child is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't, you will have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as teething rails that can help you reduce space and make life as a parent easier. Others are simple to assemble, which is perfect for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together yourself. One of our mum test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a timeless design and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. Then, it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your space. One of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.