How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it neat and tidy.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A good cot size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. cots to tots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they are around three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that can result in issues with the size 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, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. You can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's habits.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the height of your child's sleeping area as they increase in height. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off 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 safe too. Look for a cot that has been 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 or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, as this may cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers as these can peel off and pose the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots have extra features like 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 very easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to convert into the toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that can be adjusted which means you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another consideration 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 up the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options there from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You may also want to think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing an older cot, it's worth getting an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100 however it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when shopping for a baby but don't forget about style. It is essential to select a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs to complement any furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that earned it high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and fashionable. best cot newborn is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another option 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 from birth until the time your child is five, when it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers however the cost may be a hindrance for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are not properly separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, however If you are concerned it's a good idea to speak with the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to accomplish that. Many popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you continue using it long after the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer time, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to continue using them once your baby has grown.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you will make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it does not you'll have to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots have additional features like a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal if you are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and images.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is a modular design which allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be converted into the bed of a toddler. When your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.