How to Choose the Best Cots 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 its top rails will help keep it neat and tidy.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that can alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to check the cot's footprint prior buying.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. 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 aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It has a range of mattress bases, which means 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 was also easy to assemble.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe as well. Find a cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're purchasing a used cot, make sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Look for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child may rub their hands as this may cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and pose an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to assemble and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is another important consideration. You should look for the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses, including spring interiors, foam or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to shield the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, it's worth getting an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100 however it's worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget the design. It is essential to select the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to complement the furniture and interiors of your nursery that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
click homepage for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality 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 transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay during the day and night, but it's important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and isn't easily lifted by your child.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it complies with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. This information is usually found in the product description of cots or cot beds, but you can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for many years. Most popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it long after the baby stage. They cost more as they are required to support the weight of a child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby is grown.
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. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features such as teething rails that can help save space and make your life as a parent easier. Some cots are simple put together, which is great if you're short on time or are worried about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless design and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It comes in different sizes that will suit your room. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.