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 great addition to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
my sources that is the right size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features that can create problems with the size of a mattress, so it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you purchase.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns 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 online.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot listens to your baby's cries 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 a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems and it can track their sleep cycles to help you understand the routines of your little one.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, comes with a removable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the height of your child's bed as they grow. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's 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 comes with three mattress heights, which will help you reach your baby easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for your baby's nursery, but they must also be safe. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, since this could cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that could peel off, posing a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails and storage drawers. Best cot for newborn of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's simple to put together and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important factor to consider. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping as they become more mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you might also be interested in a mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, it's worth getting an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100 however it's well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When shopping 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 and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that are perfect for any furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot can be. The under-bed storage drawer was a nice feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to put together even though it is in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, when it can be converted to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our testers however the cost may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily removed 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 a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last a long time, and some models are made to do that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use it past the infant stage. These cost more because they must support an overweight child for a longer time. However they are a great investment if you intend to use them for a long time after your baby has developed.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in any of the sides. If it is not then you'll need to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with extra features such as teething rails, which can help reduce space and make your life as a parent easier. Some cots are simple to put together, which is a great benefit in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. One of our mum test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes to match 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 with the addition a footboard. It is available in different sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into an infant's bed. If your child grows older, you can then upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.