How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent addition to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it neat and tidy.
This smart crib could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cry with soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A good cot is the ideal size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they reach three years old. Some cots may have curves or other features that can alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.
read review is another fantastic alternative. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress options that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where children could rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers as these can peel off and create an choking risk to your child.
Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots available to transform into an infant bed. The cot also has an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Mini Cot Bed is recommended to choose an cot that has at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, it's worth getting an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the style. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that is suitable for the room of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to match the furniture and interiors of your nursery you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to construct even though it is in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able to grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, after which you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy design and smooth oval shape but it may be a bit expensive for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest both at night and during the day however it is essential that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby is snug and secure. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your child could get trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you're purchasing an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the product description or on their website, but should you have any questions, it's worth speaking to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. The most well-known converts into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it well past the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support the weight of a child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby has developed.
A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it does not, you will have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with extra features such as a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help you reduce space and make life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple put together, which is great in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mom testers as being the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be made a toddler bed by removing the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents said it lasted for three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.