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 neat with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
affordable cots is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they are around three years old. However, some cots come with curves or other features which can create problems with the size of a mattress, so it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
There are many retailers on the high street where you can browse the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can return a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. It's also worth shopping online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you know your child's behavior.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child is 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 off the side panels and adding a footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. 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, ensure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where children could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and create a choking hazard to your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots available to convert into an infant bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that are adjustable that allow you to make it suitable for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping when they start to increase their mobility. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's well worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when shopping for a baby but don't forget about style. It is crucial to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a nice feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to construct even though it is in a flatpack with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish and functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the functionality of being able to grow with' your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy design and smooth oval shape but it may be a bit expensive for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too closely separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, but If you are concerned it's a good idea to speak with the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for an extended period of time. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it well beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent 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'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with extra features like storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help you reduce space and make your parenting life easier. Some are simple to put together which is ideal when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it together yourself. One of our mum testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic style and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It is available in different sizes that will suit your space. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open 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 it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.