How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails will help keep it tidy too.
This smart crib could be the solution for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size balances providing your baby with space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they reach around three years of age. Some cots may have curved edges or other features that could affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It is ideal 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.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the size of your child's sleeping area as they increase in height. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings, that will allow you to reach your child easily, and can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding a footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, but they must be safe as well. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to check the age of the cot. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Check for signs that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that could be removed, posing the risk of choking your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's easy to assemble, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery tidy and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from escaping when they begin to increase their mobility. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, it's worth getting a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when buying for a baby, but don't forget about style. It is essential to select the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in different colourways and designs that will look great with the furniture or interiors that you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that made it a top pick with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is 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 Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, when you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers however, the price may be a hindrance for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you select a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the product description of cots or cot beds, but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to keep using it after the infant stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your baby is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it is not then you'll have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots have additional features like teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are easy to assemble and are ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. cot beds for sale , for example was rated by one of our mum testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic look and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will fit your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through 3 children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child is older you can upgrade to the junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.