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 tidy with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between providing your baby with space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they reach around three years old. Some cots could have curves or other features that could alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. It's also worth shopping on the internet, cots4tots.Co.uk as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies with breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made of solid beech and has a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope Our panel found it simple to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings that will allow you to reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in a footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby's However, they must be safe. Look for a cot that is certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and present a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots available to transform into the toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is another important consideration. You should look for a cot with at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're planning to buy an entirely new cot, you might be interested in a mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget the design. A cot will be used for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for the room of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in different colourways and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, after which it can be converted into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night however it is essential that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure that your child is snug and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke, and you should also check that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and isn't easily lifted by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, but should you have any questions, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it well beyond the baby stage. These cost more because they are required to support an overweight child for longer. 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 It is crucial to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features like a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help reduce space and make parenting life simpler. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal when you're not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. One of our mom testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless style and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is an open design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into the bed of a toddler. Once your child is older you can then upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.