How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a wonderful accessory to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This crib is the solution for your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A good cot is the right size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. Some cots could have curving edges or other features that may impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are many stores on the high street where you can check out the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. 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 the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. hop over to this website will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the height of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress heights, which will help you to reach your child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding a footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery however, they must be safe too. 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 and firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and pose a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as 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 easy to assemble and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from climbing out when they start to increase their mobility. There are many options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You might also consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a brand new cot. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when buying for a baby but remember to think about the style. A cot will be in use for a long time so it is essential to choose one that matches your baby's room and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in different colours and designs that can be matched to any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that earned it high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to construct and was delivered in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is the 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 from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, after which it can be converted to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a little too pricey for some.

A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night however it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them carefully to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively, and can't be easily lifted by your child.
If you're buying an cot that converts to a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, but if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it long after the infant stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support a heavier child for longer. However best crib are an excellent investment if you are planning to keep them in use long after your baby has grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose is in compliance with 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 is fully slatted and has no gaps in any of the sides. If it isn't then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots have additional features such as teething rails. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mom testers as being the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. hop over to this website can be transformed into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It comes in different sizes that will fit your room. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. It's also a top pick for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.