"A Guide To Best Cots Uk In 2024
How to Choose the best baby Cots Cots in the UK
With its sleek minimalist design and warm oak finish this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top ranked cribs rails.
This crib is the answer for your baby who is a bit fussy. It makes soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a womb.
Size
A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most babies until they reach three years of age. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features that can cause issues with the fitting of a mattress, so it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can check out an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot will listen to 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 a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing difficulties, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the routines of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary sale cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings which allow you reach your baby easily, and can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding a footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be safe. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to verify the age of the mini cot beds. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may fall off, creating a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots to transform into the toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that are adjustable which means you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll need, since there are many choices out available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when shopping for a baby, but don't forget about style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any furniture or interiors that you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to put together and was delivered in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however, the price could be a concern for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close, your baby cots on sale could become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may get trapped or choke. You should also make sure 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 buy conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you keep using it after the infant stage. These cost more because they must support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby has grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure the base is fully slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it isn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features such as rails for teething, which can help you reduce space and make your parenting experience easier. Some cots are easy to put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mum testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic look and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot by the addition a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini cot beds model is ideal 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. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.