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 strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it neat and tidy.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It makes soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot is the perfect size to give your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, that should be enough for infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curves or other features that could result in issues with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you purchase.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can return the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalist cot is constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress heights, which allow you to easily reach your baby, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be secure too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that might fall off, creating the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots have additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's easy to assemble, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping as they become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. If best cots for newborns looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you might also think about a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, but it is worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when buying for a baby but don't forget about style. It's important to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to complement any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to build, even though it comes in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the functionality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed with its quality construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a bit expensive for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay both at night and during the day however it is essential that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you choose a model that has bars that are too closely separated, your child could become trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. This information is typically included in the description of the product for 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 a long time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use them past the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support a heavier child for longer. However they are a great investment if you plan to use them long after your baby has grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is fully slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it is not then you'll have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots have extra features, such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or are concerned about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be converted into the bed of a toddler. When your child is older you can make the switch to an adult bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.