How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent addition to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails help keep it neat too.
This crib is the answer for your baby who is a bit fussy. It makes soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm, which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that could result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can return a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems and can also track their sleep cycles and help you understand the routines of your infant.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. This minimalist cot is constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four. It has three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding a footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, since this could cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and pose an choking risk to your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots to convert into an infant bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth in order to stop your child from climbing out as they increase their mobility. There are many options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. If you're buying an older cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100, but it is worth it 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 style. A cot will be used for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that matches your baby's room and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to match the furniture and interiors of your nursery you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be transformed to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however the cost might be a problem for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a cot with bars that are not properly separated, your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time and some models are made to do that. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it long after the infant stage. These cost more because they have to support an overweight child for a longer time. However they are a great investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you will make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is fully slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with extra features like a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help you reduce space and make your parenting experience simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. best cot bed can be converted to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be transformed into a junior cot by the addition a footboard. It is available in various sizes that will fit your space. One of our testers said hers lasted through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition the side, it could be converted into an infant's bed. If your child reaches an older age, you can then upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.