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 by having a drawer and a handy 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 soft sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot is the perfect size to provide your baby with space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are plenty of shops on the high streets where you can browse an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. 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 help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's routines.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's bed as they expand. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby's However, they must be safe. Look for an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is toxic to babies. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and create a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots to transform into an infant bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean, and has 3 adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should choose an cot that has at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're considering buying a new cot you may think about a cot mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. If you're buying a secondhand 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 it for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby, but don't forget about the design. It is essential to select a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in different colourways and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to construct and was delivered in a flatpack, with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Its smooth oval finish and quality construction impressed our testers however, the price could be a concern for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night, but it's important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too closely separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
If you are buying a cot that converts into a mattress, be sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, however should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for many years. The most well-known converts into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use them beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they are required to support an overweight child for a longer time. However they are an excellent investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby has grown.
best crib for newborn is also one of the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps at all sides. If it does not, you will have to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as rails for teething, which can help save space and make life as a parent easier. Some cots are easy to put together, which is great if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together. One of our mum test subjects gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic look and comes in a range of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be transformed to a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.