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 is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots have curves or other features that can result in issues with the size of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are many stores on the high street where you can check out an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return any cot that isn't what you want. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking 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 is ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you better know your child's behavior.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until your child is four. It has three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby's, but they must also be safe. Find a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. 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 are buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may fall off, creating a choking risk to your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots available to convert into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it for your growing child.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot with at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot when they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby but remember to think about style. It is essential to select the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot can be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the benefit of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest during the day and night, but it's important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them closely to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you select 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 smoothly and effectively and isn't easily lowered by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, however should you have any questions you should speak to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. Most popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to keep using it after the infant stage. These cost more because they must support the weight of a child for longer. However cots 4 tots are an excellent investment if you intend to use them long after your baby has developed.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it isn't then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots have additional features such as a storage drawer or teething rails. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. One of our mum testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It is available in a variety of sizes that will fit your room. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for 3 children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted 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 choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.