How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a wonderful accessory to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds with soft sounds that sound like a mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that may affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are a lot of retailers on the high street that offer an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. It's also a good idea to shop 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 the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be safe as well. Find a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're purchasing a used crib, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Full Statement for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child may rub their hands since this could cause irritation to the skin. 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 have additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both elegant 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 that can be converted into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important factor to consider. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping when they start to grow more mobile. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll need, since 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 looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you may think about a cot mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when shopping for a baby but don't forget about style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with 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 showcases how stylish a crib can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child is 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 testers however the cost might be a problem for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for a long time. Most popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they are required to support an overweight child for a longer time. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to keep them in use long after your baby is developed.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check 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 does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it isn't then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots come with extra features, such as rails for teething. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is great in case you're running out of time or are worried about putting them together. One of our mom test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic look and comes in a range of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot by the addition a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your space. One of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and it can be converted 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 oval shape.