How to Choose best cots for newborns in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib is the solution for your fussy baby. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features that can result in issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's a great choice for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing difficulties and it can monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the routines of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the size of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of colors 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 heights, that will allow you to reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe as well. Find a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might be removed, posing a choking risk to your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy 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 also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's well worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't overlook style. A cot will be used for a long time so it's important to find one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with the furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able to grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child is five, when it can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish but it may be a little too pricey for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively and isn't easily removed by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, but if you have any concerns you should speak to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for an extended period of time. Many popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to keep using it after the baby stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However, they are a great investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby is grown.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you will make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it is not then you'll need to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help you save space and make your parenting experience simpler. Some cots are easy to put together, which is a great benefit in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together. One of our mum test subjects gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It is available in various sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our test subjects said 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 is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.