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 great accessory to any nursery. It's also tidy by having 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 baby who is a bit fussy. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like a womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for babies between three and four years old. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features that can create problems with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to check your cot's footprint before you purchase.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can exchange a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. You can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great choice for infants or babies who have breathing issues and can also track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the routines of your infant.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the height of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, that will allow you reach your baby easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of the nursery of your baby's however, they must be secure too. Choose a cot that is certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint is toxic for babies. Look for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that could peel off, posing an choking risk for your baby.
best cots for newborns are equipped with extra features like teething rails and storage drawers. cots to tots of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots available to convert into a toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable which means you can make it suitable for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is an additional important aspect to consider. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from escaping when they start to become more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. This service will cost you about PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the style. A cot will be used for a long time so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for the room of your baby and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that look great with the furniture or interiors that you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to build and was delivered in a flatpack, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child is five, when you can transform it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our test subjects were awed by its high-quality design and smooth oval shape but it may be a bit costly for some.
If you select the model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. Most popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to keep using it after the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to keep using them after your baby is older.
A cot is among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps in all of the sides. If it is not then you'll have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features such as a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help save space and make your parenting experience easier. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mum testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed, by removing one side of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It comes in different sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.