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. Read More In this article and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it neat too.
This crib is the solution for your baby who is a bit fussy. Baby Cot Bed responds with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the ideal size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features that could result in issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you buy.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for the best cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking 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 cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It comes with a variety of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, and our panel found it simple to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly 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 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 converted 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 cots are vital for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be secure. Look for a cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is toxic to babies. Look for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers as these can peel off and present an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to convert into a toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing out when they begin to grow more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're planning to buy a new cot, then you might want to consider a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's well worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't overlook style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that look great with the furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to put together even though it is in a flatpack, with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the functionality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, at which point you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay during the day and night, but it's important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a 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 included in the product description or on their website, however if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for a long time. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it past the infant stage. These tend to cost more because they have to support the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for money if you intend to use them until your baby has grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features such as teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make your life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mom testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot by 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 had lasted through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.