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 as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails keep it tidy too.
This smart crib could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like a womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to allow your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most infants until they are around three years old. Some cots may have curved edges or other features that may affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore essential to verify your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for the best cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's rest. It can be used in 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 infant.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the level of your child's sleeping area as they increase in height. It's a great choice for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to set up.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. best cot bed is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth up until your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings, which allow you reach your child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in a footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly around the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may peel off, posing a choking risk to your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots on the market to transform into an infant bed. The cot also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. You should choose a cot with at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the design. A cot will be used for a long period of time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was an added feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a bit expensive for some.
If you select the model with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you choose 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 operates smoothly and reliably and isn't easily lifted by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, 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 found in the product description of cots or cot beds but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time and some models are made to do that. Many popular cots can be transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it well beyond the baby stage. These cost more because they have to support an overweight child for longer. However they are a great investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby has developed.
It's important to make sure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check for best cot beds on the product's webpage 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 isn't you'll have to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots are equipped with additional features like a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It comes in various sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our testers said hers lasted through 3 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 is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.