How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. It is also kept tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It responds with soft sounds that sound like the sound of a baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between providing your baby with space to grow and not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm by 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most infants until they are around three years old. However, some cots have curves or other features which can cause issues with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems and it can monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the routines of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings which allow you to reach your child easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery but they have to be safe too. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to check the age of the cot. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Check for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that may fall off, creating a choking risk to your child.
Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots to convert into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized 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. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from escaping when they begin to grow more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you might want to consider a cot mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's well worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the style. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed 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 fantastic example of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to build and was delivered in a flatpack, complete with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years old. old, when it can be transformed to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our testers, but the price tag could be a concern for some.
If you select 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 dropped by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke, and you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and effectively, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
If you're buying a cot that converts into a mattress, be sure it complies with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for a long time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and even sofas, allowing you to use it past the infant stage. They cost more as they are required to support an overweight child for a longer time. However they are a great investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't you'll have to purchase a new mattress.
Read Full Report come with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is great if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them 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 images.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a timeless style and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform it into different 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. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.