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 as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails help keep it tidy too.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size balances giving your baby room to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK cot mattress size 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 which can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can return a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for the Best cots Uk crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock 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's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the habits of your infant.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the level of your child's bed as they increase in height. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding a footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby However, they must be safe. Find an cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should also have a solid flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Look for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that could fall off, creating the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots to transform into an infant bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important factor to consider. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out as they grow more mobile. It is also worth considering the type 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 considering buying a new cot you might think about a cot mattress protector to safeguard against stains or spills. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs to match any 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 could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however, the price might be a problem for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too tightly separated, your child could be trapped or choke. You should also make sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of the cot or bed, but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time and some models are made to do that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it past the infant stage. They cost more as they must support a heavier child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby is developed.
A cot is 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. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it isn't then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots come with additional features like a storage drawer or teething rails. These can save space and make life easier for parents. 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 together yourself. One of our mum testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.