How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent addition to any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It makes soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features which can result in issues with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your needs. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you are seeking a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's routines.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the level of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four. It has three mattress options that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be secure. Look for explanation with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. 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 purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause irritation to the skin. Examine top rated cots or transfers that may peel off, posing a choking risk to your child.
Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots to convert into the toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing out as they grow more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are many choices out available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up on safety and spec when buying for a baby but don't forget about the design. A cot will be used for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, after which it can be converted to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.
If you select an item with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too tightly separated, your child could become trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you're purchasing an cot that converts to a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. This information is typically included in the product description of cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last a long time and some models are made to do that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas, allowing you to use it well beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they are required to support an overweight child for a longer time. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to use them long after your baby is developed.
A cot is among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look 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 has no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots come with extra features such as rails for teething, which can help to save space and make your parenting experience easier. Some cots are easy to put together, which is a great benefit if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together by yourself. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic look and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It is available in different sizes that will suit your room. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through 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 is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.