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 plastic strip on the top rails keep it tidy too.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It makes soothing sounds that resemble the sound of a womb.
Size
A good cot size balances giving your baby room to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they reach three years of age. However, some cots have curved corners or other features that could create problems with the fit of a mattress, so it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
There are a lot of shops on the high streets where you can check out the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. You can also get a feel 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 high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety of mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it easy to construct.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings which allow you to reach your baby easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be safe as well. Look for a cot 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 filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing a choking risk to your child.
Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots available to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should choose an cot that has at least 50cm of depth to prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're planning to buy a new cot, then you may think about a cot mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100 however it's well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. cots offers and bed are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another option for an elegant 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 is five, when you can transform it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers however, the price might be a problem for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to rest both at night and during the day, but it's important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them closely to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily removed by your child.
If you're buying a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time and some models are made to do that. Most popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to keep using it after the baby stage. They cost more as they must support a heavier child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby has developed.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it does not, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help save space and make parenting life simpler. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect when you're not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It comes in various sizes that will fit your space. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has a modular design which allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.