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 a great accessory to any nursery. It’s also neat with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.

If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. cribs beds responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the baby’s womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features which can create problems with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.

There are many shops on the high streets where you can browse an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.

If you’re looking for a cot that is of high-quality one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot will listen to your baby’s crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby’s journey to an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is a great option for infants or babies who have breathing issues and can also monitor their sleep patterns, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your infant.

Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that can transform it into a toddler’s bed. It has a range of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It’s an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to set up.

The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis’ Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. 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 has three mattress settings 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 crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cot beds are an essential part of your baby’s nursery but they have to be safe too. Choose a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should also have a solid flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren’t recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it’s not too old as paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may fall off, creating the risk of choking your baby.

Some cots have extra features like teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. “It’s extremely simple to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically,” she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots to convert into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.

Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot with at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. best crib newborn is also worth thinking about the type of cot mattress you’ll require, as there are a variety of options out available from foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. If you’re buying an older cot, you’ll want to consult an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. It’s typically about PS100 but it’s worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.

Style

It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when purchasing a baby’s cot but don’t forget about the design. A cot will be used for a long time so it’s crucial to choose one that suits your baby’s room as well as your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in various colors 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 example of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.

Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the practicality of being able grow with’ your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our testers, but the price tag could be a concern for some.

If you choose an item with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can’t be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not let your child lower it.

If you’re buying a cot that converts into a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. cot bed sales are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the product description or on their website, but should you have any questions, it’s worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.

Convertibility

Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use them past the infant stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer period, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to use them until your child is older.

A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you will make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product’s website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it is not then you’ll need to buy a separate mattress for your bed.

Some cots are equipped with additional features like a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is great in case you’re running out of time or are concerned about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mom testers as the’most simple flatpack to assemble’ and is complete with clear instructions and photos.

The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic style and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of a footboard. It’s also available in a range of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents said hers had lasted through three kids.

Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into an infant’s bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.