The Reasons Best Cots Uk Has Become Everyone's Obsession In 2024
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. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails will help keep it tidy too.
This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most infants until they are around three years of age. However, some cots have curved corners or other features which can cause issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's rest. go now can be placed in any crib or cot. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues and it can monitor their sleep patterns and help you understand the habits of your little one.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the height of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are purchasing a second-hand crib, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint is toxic for babies. Look for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child may rub their hands since this could cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers because they can come off and present the risk of choking your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to convert into the toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should look for an cot that has at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are a myriad of options there from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to shield the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's well worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about the design. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in various colors and designs that can be matched to any furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to put together even though it is in a flatpack, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the practicality of being able to 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 convert it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a little too pricey for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to rest both at night and during the day however it is essential to 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 with bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
If you are buying a cot that converts into a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for the cot or bed, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use it beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they are required to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to keep them in use long after your baby has developed.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it does not, you will have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It comes in various sizes that will fit your room. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for 3 children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be converted into an infant's bed. If your child grows older, you can upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top option for aesthetics with our panel-loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.