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 an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails help keep it neat too.
If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the ideal size to allow your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most infants up to three years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that may impact the size of a mattress. online cots is therefore crucial to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a better feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It is a great option for infants or babies who have breathing issues, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the routines of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. This minimalistic cot is made out of solid beech, and comes with a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four. It has three mattress settings that allow you to 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 FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe as well. Choose a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, since this could cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that might be removed, posing an choking risk for your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails and 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, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into an infant bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable, so you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from escaping when they start to become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you may think about a cot mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget the design. It is essential to select the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to complement any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot can be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was an added feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and stylish. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable, functional cot. It combines 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 old. old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its smooth oval finish and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however the cost might be a problem for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and isn't easily removed by your child.
If you're purchasing an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. This information is usually included in the product description of the cot or bed, but you can also check the retailer's website.
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 converted into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to keep using it after the baby stage. These cost more because they are required to support an overweight child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby has grown.
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 also make sure that it has a base that's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in any of the sides. If it is not then you'll have to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as rails for teething, which can help save space and make life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is a great benefit in case you're running out of time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a timeless style and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by 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 and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and smooth oval shape.