How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a wonderful accessory to any nursery. It is also kept tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It makes soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a mother's womb.
Size
A good cot is the right size to give 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 infants up to 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 important to double-check your cot's footprint before you purchase.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will get a better idea 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 is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing difficulties and can also track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the habits of your baby.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it simple to assemble.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress heights, which will help you easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby However, they must be safe. Look for a cot 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 stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to check the age of the cot. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that could be removed, posing a choking risk to your child.
Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into the toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable, so you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is another important consideration. You should choose a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing up the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy a new cot you may think about a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. This service will cost you around PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about the style. A cot will be used for a long time so it's crucial to choose one that matches your baby's room and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that are perfect for any furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack, with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, after which you can convert it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed with its quality construction and smooth oval finish but it may be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too closely spaced, your baby may become 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 conforms to UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. Most popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your baby has grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps in any of the sides. If it does not then you'll have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Cot Bed come with extra features like rails for teething, which can help save 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 by yourself. One of our mum test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress height positions and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It comes in various sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for 3 children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has an modular design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.