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 neat by having a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size balances giving your baby the space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they reach around three years of age. Some cots may have curved edges or other features that can impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to check the cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return 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 a cot that is of high-quality one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. cot bed sales crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's also a good option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, that will allow you easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child may rub their hands because this can cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that may fall off, creating an choking risk for your child.
Some cots have extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into the toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for the cot to have at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a myriad of options there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to shield the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing an older cot, it's worth getting an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. However, don't forget about style. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with any nursery 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. The under-bed storage drawer was a nice feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. of age, at which point it could be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag could be a concern for some.
If you select the model with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently and cannot be easily lowered by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, but If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for a long time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use them beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive because they have to support the weight of an adult for a longer time, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your baby is older.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help you reduce space and make your parenting experience simpler. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. One of our mum test subjects gave 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 comes with an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of a side it can be converted into an infant's bed. Once your child grows older, you can make the switch to a junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.