How to Choose top ranked cribs 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 an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.
This crib is the solution to soothe your child who is fussy. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. Some cots could have curving edges or other features that could alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are many retailers on the high street where you can browse a wide range of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return a cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and can also track their sleep cycles, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your baby.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the size of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to construct.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress heights, which will help you easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby's However, they must be secure. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and pose an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots to transform into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights which means you can make it suitable for your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is a further important consideration. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from escaping when they begin to grow more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're considering buying a new cot you might want to consider a cot mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's well worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't overlook the design. A cot will be used for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that are perfect for any nursery furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to construct, even though it comes 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 as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, after which you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a little too pricey for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too closely separated, your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the product description of cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. Most popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it long after the infant stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to use them until your baby is older.
A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you will make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots have additional features such as a storage drawer or teething rails. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by removing one side of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents stated that hers had lasted through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and it can be converted it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.