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 wonderful accessory to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails will help keep it neat and tidy.
This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the perfect size to allow your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features which can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return any cot that does not meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's habits.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It has a range of mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.
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 can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must 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 and firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where children may rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that may peel off, posing the risk of choking your child.
Some cots have additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into an infant bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted, so you can make it suitable for your growing baby.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. It is also important to consider the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out there from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy an entirely new cot, you might also be interested in a mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't overlook the style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in a variety of colors and designs to match any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child is five, at which point it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers however the cost could be a concern for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day, but it's important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them carefully to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model that has bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for many years. Many popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it long after the baby stage. These cost more because they have to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby is developed.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose meets 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 www.cots4tots.co.uk is not then you'll have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like rails for teething, which can help to reduce space and make your life as a parent easier. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable 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 were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.