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. It's also neat with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size balances providing your baby with space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to fit most babies until they reach around three years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that could alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to verify your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can exchange a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the level of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth up until your child reaches the age of 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 the side panels off and adding an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for your baby's nursery, but they must also be secure. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where children could rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and present an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's simple to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights, so you can make it suitable for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth in order to stop your child from climbing out when they start to become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's well worth the investment to have peace of mind.
best infant cribs to get caught up with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about the design. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to match the furniture and interiors of your nursery you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to build and was delivered in a flatpack, complete with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another option for a stylish cot is 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, at which point it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers however the cost might be a problem for some.
If you select an item with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a model that has bars that are too closely spaced, your baby may be trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds, but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for many years. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use it past the infant stage. They cost more as they have to support the weight of a child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to keep them in use long after your baby is developed.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you will make for your new arrival and it is essential 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, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are easy to assemble and are ideal if you are short on time or worried about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mom testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and images.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and smooth oval shape.