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 neat by having a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic a baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most babies until they are around three years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features which can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, so it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return a 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 the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalist cot is constructed from solid beech and features an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings which will help you to easily reach your baby and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding the footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be safe as well. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and pose an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots to transform into the toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot when they become more mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You might also consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is 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 the design. It's important to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to match any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. The cot is simple to put together, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child is five, when you can transform it into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our test subjects were awed by its quality design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay during the day and night, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. Additionally, you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily removed by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, but should you have any questions you should speak to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for many years. Many popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you keep using it after the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive because they have to support the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your baby has grown.
A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is fully slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it does not then you'll need to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails that can help save space and make parenting experience simpler. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will fit your room. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. cheap cot beds were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.