How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it neat too.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble the sound of a womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features that could cause issues with the fit of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
There are a lot of shops on the high streets that offer an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also worth shopping online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you are seeking a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features a removable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress bases which means you can alter the level of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings which will help you reach your baby easily and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, but they must be safe as well. 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 which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're purchasing a used crib, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint is 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 irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and present a choking hazard to your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots available to transform into a toddler bed. The cot has an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable which means you can make it suitable for your growing child.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become 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 planning to buy a new cot you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. If you're buying an older cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby, but don't forget about style. A cot will be used for a long time so it's crucial to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, after which you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however, the price could be a concern for some.
If top rated cots choose an item with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model that has bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to be sure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it well past the infant stage. These cost more because they are required to 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 is developed.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps in all of the sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots have additional features like a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. One of our mum test subjects gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic style and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It is available in a variety of sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is an modular design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be converted into a toddler's bed. If your child is older you can then upgrade to a junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.