Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent addition to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.
If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size balances giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for babies between three and four years old. Some cots may have curving edges or other features that can alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, since 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 that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress heights, that will allow you to reach your child easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, but they must be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to verify the date of purchase. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly on the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and present a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also has an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important factor to consider. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from escaping as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll require, as there are a myriad of options there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase an entirely new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's well worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby but remember to think about the design. It's important to choose the right cot for the nursery of your baby and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds are available in different colourways and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby cots on sale's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack, with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can convert it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a little too pricey for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night It is important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may be trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last a long time and some models are made to do that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it well beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more because they have to support the weight of an adult for a longer time, however they can be a great value for the money if you plan to continue using them once your child is older.
It's important to make sure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is fully slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it is not then you'll have to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails, which can help you reduce space and make life as a parent simpler. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It is available in a variety of sizes that will fit your room. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through 3 children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has an modular design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and then into a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.
