A Guide To Best Cots Uk 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. It is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the ideal size to allow your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features which can create problems with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are plenty of retailers on the high street that offer a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return any cot that does not meet your needs. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety 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 options that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding a footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be safe too. Choose a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might fall off, creating an choking risk for your child.
Some cots have additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to convert into the toddler bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable that allow you to use it for your growing baby.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from escaping when they start to increase their mobility. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're considering buying a new cot you may be interested in a mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget the style. cot sets will be in use for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for the room of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the benefit of being able to grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child is five, after which you can convert it to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers however the cost could be a concern for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night It is important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you select a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke, and you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently and cannot be easily lowered by your child.
If you're purchasing an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. This information is usually found in the product description of cots or cot beds but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are made to do that. Most popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the baby stage. These are more expensive because they have to support the weight of a larger child for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to continue using them once your baby has grown.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in any of the sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features like storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help reduce space and make life as a parent simpler. Others are simple to assemble, which is perfect for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. One of our mom test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic design and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be made a toddler bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It comes in different sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through 3 children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be transformed into an infant's bed. If your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to the junior bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and smooth oval shape.