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 will help keep it neat too.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It makes soft sounds that sound like a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the perfect size to allow your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for babies between three and four years old. However, some cots feature curves or other features which can result in issues with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and can also track their sleep cycles and help you understand the habits of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. This minimalistic cot is made of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until your child is four. It comes with three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be secure too. Choose top rated cots that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to check the age of it. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where children could rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and pose a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots come with extra features, like 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 simple to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights which means you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping as they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out available from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100 however it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about style. It's important to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is 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 toddler's bed by removing a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and quality construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag might be a problem for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are not properly separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. top rated cots and cot beds will have this information in the product description or on their website, however if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use it past the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of a larger child for a longer period, however they can be a great value for the money if you plan to continue using them once your child is older.
A cot is among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't, you will have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails that can help to save space and make your life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be transformed into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It is available 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 alternative. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. If your child grows older, you can make the switch to the junior bed. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.