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 as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If top rated cots is a troublesome sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It makes soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a womb.
Size
A good cot size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most babies until they are around three years of age. However, some cots feature curves or other features which can create problems with the size of a mattress, so it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are many stores on the high street that offer an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you are seeking a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. 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 help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. This minimalistic cot is made of solid beech and has a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the height of your child's sleeping area as they increase in height. It's also a good option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings 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 the footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be secure too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used cot, make sure to verify the date of purchase. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where children might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers because they can come off and create an choking risk to your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots available to convert into an infant bed. cribs beds has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that can be adjusted that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is a further important consideration. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from climbing out when they begin to become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. It's usually 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 get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook style. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in different colourways and designs that are perfect for the furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. The under-bed storage drawer was a nice feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to put together and was delivered in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
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 as a cot from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can convert it to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, but should you have any questions you should speak to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for an extended period of time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it well past the infant stage. They cost more as they are required to support the weight of a child for longer. However they are a great investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby is developed.
A cot is among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps in all of the sides. If it is not then you'll need to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots have additional features such as rails for teething. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. One of our mum testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents said hers lasted through three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into an infant's bed. Once your child is older you can make the switch to the junior bed. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.