How to Choose best cot bed 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 the top rails help keep it tidy too.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most infants until they reach three years of age. Some cots could have curved edges or other features that could alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are many stores on the high street where you can browse the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to get a good night's sleep. weblink can be placed in any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their needs. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four. It has three mattress heights, which allow you to reach your child easily and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe as well. Choose a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is toxic to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly on the sides, where children may rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could fall off, creating the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots have additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots on the market to convert into the toddler bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that can be adjusted, so you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You may also want to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget style. It's important to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which made it a top pick with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, at which point you can convert it to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed with its quality construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a bit expensive for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism operates efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you select a cot that has bars that are not properly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the description of the product 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 for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. The majority of popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it long after the baby stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your child is older.
A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it isn't you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help you save space and make parenting experience easier. 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. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It is available in different sizes that will suit your space. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through 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 ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and then to a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.