How to Choose the best baby cots Cots in the UK
With its sleek, minimalist design and warm oak finish this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This smart crib could be the solution for your fussy baby. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to allow your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features which can cause issues with the fit of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great crib night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It has a range of 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 bedrooms or sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to construct.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings which allow you reach your child easily and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your Baby Cot Bed's but they have to be safe as well. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're purchasing a used cot, make sure to determine the age of the cot. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and create an choking risk to your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's easy to assemble, and all pieces are alphabetized,“ she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest best rated cribs to transform into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important aspect to consider. You should choose a cot with at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are a variety of options out there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying an entirely new cot, you may think about a cot mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when buying for a baby but don't forget about the style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that are perfect for any nursery furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the benefit of being able to grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years old. old, when it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed by its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a little too pricey for some.
If you select an item with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
If you're buying an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the product description or on their website, however if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for a long time. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas, allowing you to use them beyond the infant cot bed stage. These are more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of the larger child for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for money if you intend to keep using them after your child is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots also come with extra features such as teething rails, which can help reduce space and make parenting life easier. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect when you're not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. One of our mom testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents said hers lasted through three children.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7098/769/3-in-1-baby-crib-next-to-me-crib-bedside-sleeper-portable-travel-cot-bedside-crib-baby-bed-with-breathable-net-and-mattress-adjustable-portable-bed-for-infant-baby-girl-boy-grey-769.jpg)Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. When your child is older you can make the switch to an adult bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.
