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 is also kept tidy with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib is the answer for your child who is fussy. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to allow your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that can alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can return a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's routines.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed of solid beech and has a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the level of your child's bed as they expand. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe as well. Choose a cot that is certified to meet the British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should also have a solid flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that may be removed, posing the risk of choking your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's simple to put together and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. best cots for newborns should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping as they increase their mobility. It is also worth thinking about the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out available from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You might also consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a new cot. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby but don't forget about the design. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for the room of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to match any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to build and was delivered in a flatpack, with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, after which it can be converted to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however the cost might be a problem for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to sleep during the day and night however it is essential that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby is snug and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you must also ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and reliably and isn't easily removed by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the description of the product for the cot or bed, but you can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last a long time and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use them past the infant stage. These cost more because they have to support a heavier child for longer. However they are a great investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby is grown.
A cot is among the most important purchases you will make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is fully slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it does not you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots are equipped with additional features such as teething rails. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together yourself. One of our mum 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 timeless style and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is an open design that allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into the bed of a toddler. When your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to the junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics with our panel-loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.