How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a wonderful accessory to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails keep it neat and tidy.
This smart crib could be the answer for your fussy baby. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a womb.
Size
A good cot is the ideal size to allow your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for infants up to three years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features that could result in issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can browse a wide range of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating 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 ideal for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you know your child's behavior.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It comes with a variety 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 small bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to set up.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings that will allow you to reach your child easily and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby However, they must be secure. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that might peel off, posing an choking risk for your baby.
Some cots come with additional features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots available to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also has an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth in order to stop your child from escaping as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out available from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you might be interested in a mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's well worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't overlook the design. It's important to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with the furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to build and was delivered in a flatpack with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the practicality of being able to '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 you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy design and smooth oval shape but it may be a bit costly for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, nursery cots should ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for the cot or bed, but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of a larger child for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your baby is older.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps in any of the sides. If it does not then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots come with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help you save space and make your life as a parent simpler. Some cots are easy to put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. One of our mum testers rated 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 design and comes in a range of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with an open design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into an infant's bed. When your child is older you can then upgrade to the junior bed. best cot newborn chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.