How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Best cot for newborn makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails help keep it neat too.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble a womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they are around three years of age. Some cots may have curves or other features that can affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you know your child's behavior.
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 toddler's bed. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their needs. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a range 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 height settings which will help you to reach your child easily and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe. Find an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that 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 can cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that could fall off, creating a choking risk to your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to assemble, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out when they start to grow more mobile. It is also important to consider the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are a myriad of options available from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy an entirely new cot, you may think about a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's well worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs to match any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to 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 a side. Its smooth oval finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers however, the price might be a problem for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay during the day and night It is important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you choose a model that has bars that are too closely separated, your child could get trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, but if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for an extended period of time. The majority of popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it long after the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support the weight of a child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you plan to use them long after your baby has grown.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails, which can help to save space and make your parenting life easier. Some are simple to put together and are ideal for those who are short on time or worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents stated that it lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then into a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.