How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent addition to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This smart crib could be the solution for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow and not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features which can cause issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. 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 to get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you better know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. The cot is minimalistic, constructed from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the height of your child's bed as they expand. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four. It has three mattress options 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 the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe too. Look for a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where children might rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and pose a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots come with extra features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's simple to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that can be adjusted, so you can use it for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is a further important factor to consider. You should look for a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child, it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't forget style. It is crucial to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child turns five years old. older, at which point it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however the cost may be a hindrance for some.
If you select the model with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you select a cot that has bars that are not properly separated, your child could get trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information in the product description or on their website, but should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use them past the infant stage. These tend to cost more because they have to support the weight of a larger child for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your baby is older.
best infant cribs is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps in any of the sides. If it does not, you will have to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots are equipped with additional features like a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal if you are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
The Boori cot is a different option. best cot beds has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It comes in different sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through 3 children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has an modular design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.