How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a wonderful accessory to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails keep it neat too.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your fussy baby. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to give your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most infants until they are around three years old. However, some cots come with curves or other features that could result in issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to check your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are a lot of shops on the high streets that offer an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can exchange a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. 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 to get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. Mini Cot Bed is ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you better know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. The cot is minimalistic, constructed from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the size of your child's bed as they grow. It's also a good option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, and our panel found it easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, but they must be safe as well. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might fall off, creating the risk of choking your child.
Some cots come with extra features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots on the market to convert into the toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out when they start to grow more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are many choices out there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a new cot. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. This will cost you around PS100, but it is worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds are available in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example 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 three adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack, with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, when you can convert it to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a little too pricey for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay both at night and during the day however it is essential that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke, and you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, however should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for a long time. Most popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the baby stage. These cost more because they must support a heavier child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby has developed.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you will make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it is not, you will have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots have additional features like a drawer for storage or rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some are simple to put together which is ideal for those who are short on time or worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has an open design that allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be converted into the bed of a toddler. If your child reaches an older age, you can then upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.