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 great addition to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib is the solution to soothe your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for infants up to three years old. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features which can result in issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
There are a lot of retailers on the high street that offer an array of cots, including 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 on the internet, as you will 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, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's habits.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. cots 4 tots 's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope Our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging 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 will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding an additional footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby's however, they must be secure. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, since this could cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and pose the risk of choking your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's simple to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean, and has 3 adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose a cot with at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing up the cot when they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when buying for a baby but don't forget about the design. 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 cot beds are available in different colourways and designs that look great with any furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is 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 Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.
If you select an item with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke, and you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
If you're purchasing an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. This information is typically included in the product description of the cot or bed, but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time and some models are made to do that. The majority of popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your child is older.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict 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 is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as a storage drawer or teething rails. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is great in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents said hers lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is an open design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can then upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.