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 the top rails keep it neat and tidy.
This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the right size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. 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 have curves or other features that can cause issues with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to check your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can browse the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can return a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. It's also worth shopping online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors 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's a great choice for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing problems and it can track their sleep cycles and help you understand the habits of your infant.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the level of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's a great option for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until your child is four. It has three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding the footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe too. Look for an cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child may rub their hands because this can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and present the risk of choking your child.
Some cots have extra features like teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots to transform into the toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights which means you can make it suitable for your growing baby.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing the cot as they become more mobile. There are many 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 your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying an older cot, it's worth getting an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's well worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't forget the design. A cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for the room of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that look great with the furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a nice feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality 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. older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our test subjects were awed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval finish but it may be a bit costly for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently and isn't easily lifted by your child.
If you are buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds, but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and some models are made to do that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use it beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they must support a heavier child for longer. However they are a great investment if you are planning to use them for a long time after your baby has grown.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with extra features such as teething rails, which can help you reduce space and make parenting experience simpler. Others are easy to assemble and are ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit 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 with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your space. One of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into a toddler's bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top option for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.