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 an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails help keep it neat too.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most infants until they are around three years old. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features that could cause issues with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can exchange a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. You can also get a better feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's also a good option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope Our panel found it simple to assemble.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until your child is four. It has three mattress height settings, that will allow you easily reach your baby, and can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be secure too. Look for an cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to determine the date of purchase. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that may be removed, posing an choking risk for your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails or storage drawers. best cots for newborns of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important factor to consider. You should look for an cot that has at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out available from foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot, then you may be interested in a 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 repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget the design. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs that can be matched to the furniture and interiors of your nursery you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to construct even though it is in a flatpack, complete with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, after which you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish but it may be a little too pricey for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night however it is essential to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke. you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. best cots for newborns is usually included in the description of the product for the cot or bed, but you can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it well past the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer time, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to keep using them after your baby is older.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it is not then you'll have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some are simple to put together which is ideal when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents said hers had lasted through three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.