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. It's also neat with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This smart crib could be the solution for your child who is fussy. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. affordable cots should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach around three years of age. However, some cots feature curves or other features that can create problems with the fit of a mattress, so it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a better feel about 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, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It's a great choice for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing problems and it can track their sleep cycles and help you understand the habits of your little one.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It has a range of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it simple to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding a footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for your baby's nursery, but they must also be safe. Find a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, particularly on the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could peel off, posing a choking risk to your child.
Some cots have additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to assemble, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that are adjustable that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is a further important factor to consider. It is recommended to choose a cot with at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're considering buying a new cot, then you might also think about a cot mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook style. It is essential to select the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in different colourways and designs that are perfect for the furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to put together even though it is in a flatpack, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the practicality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our test subjects were awed by its quality design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a little too pricey for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a cot with bars that are too tightly spaced, your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you can also check the website of the seller.
such a good point are designed to last for many years. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use it well past the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to use them until your baby is older.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure 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 equipped with additional features such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. best cot bed can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are easy to assemble and are ideal for those who are short on time or worried about putting it all together yourself. One of our mom test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by removing one side of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your space. One of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.
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 from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.