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 will help keep it neat too.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution for your child who is fussy. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the womb.
Size
A good cot is the right size to allow your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features that can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to the baby's crying 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 sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It is a great option for infants or babies who have breathing issues and can also track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the habits of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It also has an impressive range of mattress bases that allows you to alter the size of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be safe too. Choose an cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that might fall off, creating a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots on the market to convert into an infant bed. The cot has an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that are adjustable that allow you to use it for your growing baby.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby but remember to think about the design. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it is essential to choose one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. Baby Cot and bed are available in various colors and designs to match the furniture and interiors of your nursery that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed was a nice feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack, complete with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers however, the price may be a hindrance for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day however it is essential that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby is snug and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the product description of 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. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas, allowing you to use it well past the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support the weight of a child for a longer time. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.
A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it is not, you will have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with additional features such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect for those who are short on time or worried about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by removing one side of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents said it lasted for three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.