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 crib with smart technology could be the solution for your child who is fussy. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots have curved corners or other features that can create problems with the fit of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to check your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a feel about 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, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It 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.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features a removable panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the size of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's a great option for small bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress options that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
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 that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and pose a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots come with extra features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to assemble and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three adjustable heights which means you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
The depth of the cot is an additional important aspect to consider. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from escaping when they start to become more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you may want to consider a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. If you're buying an older cot, you'll want to consult an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget style. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to put together even though it is in a flatpack, complete with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable, functional cot. nursery cots blends the Scandi style with the practicality of being able grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, when you can convert it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our testers however, the price could be a concern for some.
If you choose a 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 lowered by your child. If you choose a model that has bars that are too closely separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should 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, be sure it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive because they have to support the weight of the larger child for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your baby has grown.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you will make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check for nursery cots on the product page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it does not, you will have to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with extra features such as a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help you save space and make your parenting experience easier. Some are simple to put together and are ideal if you are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together yourself. One of our mom testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a classic design and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three 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 can be used from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into a toddler's bed. When your child grows older, you can make the switch to a junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.