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 and a handy anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails help keep it tidy too.
If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm by 140cm. great crib should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach around three years of age. However, some cots feature curves or other features which can cause issues with the size of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
There are a lot of shops on the high streets where you can browse the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. 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 cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's rest. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings, which will help you reach your child easily and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby however, they must be safe. 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 that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to verify the date of purchase. Lead paint is toxic for babies. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and pose the risk of choking your child.
Some cots come with extra features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's simple to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that are adjustable which means you can make it suitable for your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out when they start to become more mobile. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot, then you might want to consider a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about the design. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cots are available in different colourways and designs that look great with any furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething good cribs and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to build, even though it comes in a flatpack, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the practicality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years old, when 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 price might be a problem for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and effectively, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across 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 are concerned it's a good idea to speak with the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are made to do that. Most popular cots can be transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it well beyond the baby stage. These cost more because they have to support an overweight child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it is not, you will have to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots are equipped with additional features like a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mom testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It is available in a variety of sizes that will suit your space. One of our testers said hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with an open design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition a side it can be converted into the bed of a toddler. If your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to the junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.