How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails help keep it neat too.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A good cot size balances giving your baby the space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach around three years of age. However, some cots have curves or other features that can create problems with the size of a mattress, so it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can browse a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems and can also monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the habits of your baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the level of your child's bed as they grow. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe as well. Look for a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and create an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's really 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 also has an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping as they increase their mobility. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. cheap cot beds 's usually around PS100 but it's worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when shopping for a baby but remember to think about style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to match any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the practicality of being able to '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 into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our test subjects were awed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval finish however, it could 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 ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may be 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 an cot that converts to a mattress, make sure it is compliant with 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 found in the product description of cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. Most popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you keep using it after the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to use them until your baby has grown.
A cot is among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it isn't, you will need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots come with extra features like a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help save space and make life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic design and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It comes in various sizes that will suit your room. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through 3 children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition a side it can be converted into an infant's bed. Once your child is older you can make the switch to the junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.