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. It's also tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds with soft sounds that sound like the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size balances providing your baby with space to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most infants until they are around three years of age. However, some cots have curves or other features that could result in issues with the size of a mattress, so it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores such as Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. It's also worth shopping online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out 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 help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies with breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area as they grow. crib sets 's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress heights, which allow you to reach your child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby's, but they must also be safe. Find an cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and pose a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots available to convert into the toddler bed. The cot also comes with an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized 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 choose a cot with at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are a myriad of options available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy a new cot you may want to consider a cot 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 fix any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100 however it's well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. However, don't forget about style. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in different colourways and designs that are perfect for any nursery furniture or interiors that you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to put together and was delivered in a flatpack, with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, after which you can transform it into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our test subjects were awed by its quality design and smooth oval shape but it may be a little too pricey for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to sleep during the day and night, but it's important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you choose a cot that has bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to accomplish that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it well beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for money if you intend to keep using them after your baby is older.
It's important to make sure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it does not, you will have to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together. One of our mum test subjects 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 an elegant design and is available with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by removing one side of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and smooth oval shape.