How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails keep it neat and tidy.
If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It responds to their cry with soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the right size to give your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most babies until they reach three years old. Some cots could have curving edges or other features that can affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore important to double check your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems and it can monitor their sleep patterns, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with a removable panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it simple to assemble.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until the time your child is four. 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 an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for your baby's nursery However, they must be secure. Choose a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and pose a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. affordable cots to assemble, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for an cot that has at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to shield the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, it's worth getting a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100 however it's worthwhile for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot but don't forget about the design. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in different colourways and designs that will look great with any furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another option 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 is five, when it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price might be a problem for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. best cot bed should also make sure the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke, and you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently and isn't easily lifted by your child.
If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, be sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the description of the product for the cot or bed, but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for an extended period of time. The most well-known converts into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it well past the infant stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support an overweight child for a longer time. However, they are a great investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby has grown.
A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps on all sides. If it isn't, you will need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help reduce space and make life as a parent simpler. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless style and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents said hers had lasted through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it 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 into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top option for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.