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 keep it tidy too.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It makes soothing sounds that resemble a womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the right size to give your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. Some cots could have curved edges or other features that can impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to check the cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It is a great option for infants or babies with breathing problems and can also track their sleep cycles to aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their needs. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress options that let you easily reach your baby. best rated cribs can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe as well. Look for a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure to verify the date of purchase. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and pose a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's easy to assemble and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is another important consideration. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing out when they start to increase their mobility. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out there from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a 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. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget the design. It is crucial to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement the furniture and interiors of your nursery that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to build, even though it comes in a flatpack, complete with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It combines 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 older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed with its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish but it may be a little too pricey for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest both at night and during the day It is important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you select a model with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the product description or on their website, but should you have any questions you should speak to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are made to do that. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they must support an overweight child for a longer time. However great crib are an excellent investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby has grown.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select 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 has no gaps in any of the sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots have additional features such as teething rails. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal if you are short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one our mom testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless design and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot by the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents stated that hers had lasted through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition a side it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. When your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to a junior bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and smooth oval shape.