Best Cots Uk 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
How to Choose the best cot newborn Cots in the UK
With its sleek minimalist design and warm oak finish, this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails help keep it neat too.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble a womb.
Size
A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby cots on sale the space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that can alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can browse the wide selection of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can exchange a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing difficulties and can also monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the routines of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding a footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe as well. Look for an cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and present an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to assemble and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot bed sales comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that are adjustable, so you can use it for your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is a further important factor to consider. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from climbing out when they start to increase their mobility. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out available from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100 however it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when buying for a baby, but don't forget about the style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that will look great with the furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to construct even though it is in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, when you can convert it to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed by its quality design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a bit costly for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a cot with bars that are not properly separated, your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns you should speak to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for a long time. The majority of popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they must support a heavier child for a longer time. However they are a great crib investment if you are planning to use them for a long time after your baby is developed.
It's important to make sure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't, you will need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots are equipped with additional features such as teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together. One of our mom test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents said it lasted for three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits 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 it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.