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 and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails help keep it neat and tidy.
This crib is the answer for your fussy baby. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot is the right size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm, which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features that can create problems with the fitting of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
There are plenty of shops on the high streets where you can check out an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a better feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's a great option for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the habits of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This minimalist cot is constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It has a range of mattress bases, which means 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 sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings which allow you reach your child easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe. Choose a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should also have a solid flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Examine for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and pose a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots have extra features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots to transform into the toddler bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that are adjustable, so you can make it suitable for your growing child.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out when they start to increase their mobility. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, www.cots4tots.co.uk but it is well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby but don't forget about the style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to put together and was delivered in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Its smooth oval finish and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag might be a problem for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use them past the infant stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support a heavier child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you intend to use them for a long time after your baby is grown.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails that can help reduce space and make parenting life simpler. Others are easy to assemble and are ideal if you are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mum testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless style and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by removing one side of 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 suit your space. One of our test parents said it lasted for three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition the side, it could be converted into a toddler's bed. When your child grows older, you can then upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.