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 and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails help keep it neat and tidy.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features that could cause issues with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
There are many retailers on the high street where you can check out the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot one of 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. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the size of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's a great option for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until your child reaches the age of four. 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 the footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery but they must be safe too. Look for a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and pose the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots to convert into a toddler bed. The cot has an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that can be adjusted which means you can make it suitable for your growing baby.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping as they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are a myriad of options there from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You may also want to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100 however it's worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't overlook style. It is essential to select a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed was a nice feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to construct and was delivered in a flatpack, complete with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. Visit Homepage blends the Scandi style with the practicality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a little too pricey for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, 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 cots 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 seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use them beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your child is older.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps in any of the sides. If it does not, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is great if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic look and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot by 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 it lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with an modular design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.