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. A drawer and a handy anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails help keep it tidy too.
If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A good cot is the right size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm, which should accommodate most infants up to three years old. However, some cots come with curves or other features that can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are a lot of stores on the high street where you can browse the wide selection of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can exchange a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. mini cotbed can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If infant cot bed looking for the best crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. 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 aid your baby's journey to an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's a great choice for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and can also monitor their sleep patterns, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your infant.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their needs. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four. It comes with three mattress heights, which will help you reach your child easily, and can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery however, they must be secure too. Find a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to check the age of the cot. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where children could rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that might be removed, posing the risk of choking your child.
Some cots have extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to convert into the toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're considering buying a new cot you may be interested in a mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. If you're buying a second-hand cot, it's worth getting an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when shopping for a baby but remember to think about style. It's important to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to put together and was delivered in a flatpack, complete 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 is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, at which point it can be converted into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.
If you select an item with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively and isn't easily removed by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will have this information included in the product description or on their website, but if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for a long time. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to keep using it after the infant stage. They cost more as they have to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby has grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it isn't, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
cribs come with extra features like teething rails that can help you save space and make life as a parent easier. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. One of our mom test subjects has rated 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 is a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents said hers lasted through three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.