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 as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they are around three years old. Some cots could have curved edges or other features that could affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore important to check the cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. good cribs is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's habits.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with a removable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their needs. It's also a good option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope Our panel found it easy to construct.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings which will help you easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding the footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby's However, they must be secure. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and create a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots have additional features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. great crib to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also has an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should look for the cot to have at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing up the cot when they become more mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you might also think about a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's well worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't overlook style. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed was a feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to put together even though it is in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a bit expensive for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep during the day and night however it is essential to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you select a cot that has bars that are too closely separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, but you can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the baby stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your baby is older.
It's important to make sure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it does not you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots come with extra features, such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. One of our mum test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will fit your space. One of our testers said hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is a modular design which allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top option for aesthetics with our panel-loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.