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 with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your baby who is a bit fussy. It makes soothing sounds that resemble a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the ideal size to give your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most infants until they reach around three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features which can cause issues with the size of a mattress, so it is important to check your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are plenty of shops on the high streets where you can check out a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be used in any cot or crib. cheap cot bed for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the size of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's a great option for small bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, from 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 the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress heights, that will allow you easily reach your baby, and can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be safe as well. Find a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Look for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and create a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots have extra features like 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 easy to put together and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that are adjustable that allow you to make it suitable for your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is an additional important aspect to consider. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from climbing out as they grow more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll require, as there are a myriad of options there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you may be interested in a mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about the style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with 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 look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to construct and was delivered in a flatpack with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the benefit of being able grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years of age, at which point it could be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish but it may be a bit costly for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you are buying a cot that can be converted 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. This information is usually found in the product description of cots or cot beds but you can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for many years. Most popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you continue using it well beyond the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to continue using them once your baby is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't you'll have to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features like storage drawers and teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make your parenting life simpler. Some cots are easy to put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together. One of our mom testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to match 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 various sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child is older you can make the switch to an adult bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.