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 a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails help keep it tidy too.
If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to fit most babies until they reach three years old. Some cots may have curving edges or other features that may impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to double check your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your Baby Cot Bed's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features a removable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings, and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress heights, that will allow you reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be safe as well. Look for a cot that is certified to meet the British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not overly old, as paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child may rub their hands as this may cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and pose a choking hazard to your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's very easy to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots available to transform into a toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three adjustable heights which means you can make it suitable for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth in order to stop your child from escaping when they start to increase their mobility. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you might think about a cot mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when buying for a baby but don't forget about the style. A cot will be used for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for the room of your baby and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this Cot Bed (just click the next post) as functional as it is stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, at which point you can transform it into a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however the cost might be a problem for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too closely spaced, your Baby Crib may get trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
If you are buying a cot that converts into a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip on 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 are concerned it's a good idea to speak with the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and even sofas, allowing you to use it well beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, however they can be a great crib value for money if you intend to keep using them after your baby has grown.
A cot is among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and check that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your space, and one of our test parents reported that hers had lasted through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.