How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This smart crib could be the answer for your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most infants until they reach three years old. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features that can result in issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can return a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to 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 can also track their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their needs. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be secure. Find best rated cribs that has been certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress, and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to determine the date of purchase. Lead paint is toxic for babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands since this could cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may peel off, posing the risk of choking your child.
Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery tidy and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from climbing out when they start to grow more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, but it is worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby, but don't forget about style. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in different colourways and designs that will look great with any furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child is five, after which you can convert it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers however the cost could be a concern for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night, but it's important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently and isn't easily lowered by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, but you can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last a long time, and some models are made to do that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use them beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your baby has grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page 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 does not, you will have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots have additional features like a drawer for storage or teething rails. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. One of our mom test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It can be transformed to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be transformed into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents reported that it lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is 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 with the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.