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. It's also tidy with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow and not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they are around three years old. However, some cots have curved corners or other features that can result in issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are many shops on the high streets where you can browse a wide range of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for the best cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. best cot bed can help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It is a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and can also track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the habits of your infant.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made out of solid beech, and comes with a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the height of your child's bed as they grow. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until your child is four. It has three mattress settings 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 the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby's, but they must also be safe. 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 which aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to determine the age of the cot. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child may rub their hands because this can cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and pose the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots available to convert into a toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose an cot that has a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are a variety of options out available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You might also consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when shopping for a baby but don't forget about the style. It is crucial to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to match any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration 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 functional and fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to construct and was delivered in a flatpack, complete with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years old. older, at which point it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. best crib were impressed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a bit expensive for some.
If you select an item with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke, and you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently, and can't be easily removed by your child.
If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, be sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. This information is usually included in the product description of the cot or bed, but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time and some models are made to do that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it beyond the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support the weight of a child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to use them for a long time after your baby is grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't, you will have to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as teething rails, which can help save space and make your parenting experience simpler. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal if you're short on time or are concerned 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 put together' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It is available in various sizes that will suit your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is an open design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top pick for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.