How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails will help keep it tidy too.
If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds to their cry with soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot is the perfect size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features which can result in issues with the size of a mattress, so it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are best cots for newborns of shops on the high streets that offer a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's routines.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their needs. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's 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 options that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for your baby's nursery However, they must be secure. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. nursery cots should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to determine the age of the cot. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Look for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might be removed, posing the risk of choking your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots on the market to convert into the toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. cots to tots should choose a cot with at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you may be interested in a mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's worth the investment 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 remember to think about the design. A cot will be in use for a long time so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to match any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could 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 also make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to build even though it is in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the benefit of being able grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, after which you can transform it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers however, the price could be a concern for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest during the day and night It is important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely separated, your child could be trapped or choke. You should also be sure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you are buying a cot that converts into a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, but should you have any questions, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to accomplish that. Many popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they are required to support a heavier child for a longer time. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to keep them in use long after your baby has grown.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it meets strict 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 at all sides. If it does not, you will have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make parenting experience simpler. Others are easy to assemble and are ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic look and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned 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 comes in a variety of sizes that will suit your space. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is an modular design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and smooth oval shape.