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 keep it tidy too.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It responds to their cry with soft sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to fit most babies until they reach around three years old. However, some cots have curved corners or other features that can cause issues with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can exchange a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's 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.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their needs. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe too. Choose an cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're purchasing a used cot, make sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly on the sides, where children could rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers because they can come off and present the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, like storage drawers and teething rails. tots and cots of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots available to transform into the toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. It is recommended to choose the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to shield the mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, it's worth getting an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the style. A cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it is essential to choose one that suits the room of your baby and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours 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 illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality 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, after which you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Our test subjects were awed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a bit expensive for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively and isn't easily lifted by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, but if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use it well beyond 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 time, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your child is older.
cots and tots is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it does not then you'll have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help to save space and make your life as a parent easier. Some are simple to put together and are ideal for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents said it lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. When your child grows older, you can make the switch to a junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.