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 with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most babies until they reach around three years of age. However, some cots have curving corners or other features that can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, so it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can check out an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, as 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 cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. small cot beds will help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It is a great option for infants or babies who have breathing issues, and it can even track their sleep cycles and aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the level of your child's sleeping area as they increase in height. It's a great option for small bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
Another cot that is budget-friendly 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 from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for your baby's nursery However, they must be safe. Find a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Check for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that might be removed, posing a choking risk to your child.
Some cots come with extra features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to assemble and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that can be adjusted that allow you to use it for your growing child.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a brand new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check 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
When buying for a child, it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. But don't forget the style. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it's important to find one that suits the room of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the functionality of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, when you can transform it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish but it may be a bit expensive for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest both at night and during the day, but it's important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently and isn't easily lowered by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across 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, however If you are concerned you should speak to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to keep using it after the infant stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for money if you intend to keep using them after your baby has grown.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with additional features like a drawer for storage or teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is a great benefit if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mom testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your space. One of our test parents said it lasted for three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it 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 it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top choice for aesthetics with our panel-loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.