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 an excellent addition to any nursery. It's also neat by having a drawer and 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. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the perfect size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. Certain cots might have curved edges or other features that can affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore important to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are a lot of stores on the high street that offer an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for the best cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's routines.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed of solid beech and has a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the level of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. 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, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings, which allow you reach your baby easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby however, they must be secure. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and create the risk of choking your child.
Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable 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 to convert into an infant bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three adjustable heights which means you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.
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 increase their mobility. It is also worth considering the type of mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, it's worth getting an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. But cot sales overlook the design. A cot will be in use for a long time so it is essential to choose one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in different colourways and designs that are perfect for any nursery furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which made it a top pick with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, 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 of age, at which point it could be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers however the cost may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a cot with bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, but if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. Many popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it long after the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of a larger child for a longer time, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to continue using them once your baby has grown.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots have additional features like a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together by yourself. One of our mum test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be converted into a toddler's bed. If your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to an adult bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.