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 plastic strip on the top rails help keep it neat too.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble a mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to provide your baby with space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most babies until they are around three years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features that can create problems with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores such as Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you better know your child's behavior.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress base positions which means you can alter the size of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to construct.
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 can be used from birth up until your child is four. It comes with three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe too. Look for a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where children may rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that could be removed, posing a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's simple to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted which means you can make it suitable for your growing baby.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from escaping when they start to grow more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when buying for a baby but don't forget about style. It's important to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with any furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish and functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the practicality of being able grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed by its quality construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.
If full report choose the model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may be trapped or choke. You should also make sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. Most popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for money if you intend to continue using them once your baby has grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with additional features such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is a great benefit in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a timeless design and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of the footboard. It is available in different sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through 3 children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.