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 a wonderful accessory to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it neat too.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution for your fussy baby. It makes soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they are around three years old. Some cots could have curves or other features that may impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are plenty of shops on the high streets where you can browse an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your needs. You can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great 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 it can even track their sleep cycles and aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your baby.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the height of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby's, but they must also be secure. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where children could rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and create an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to put together and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out when they start to grow more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing an older cot, it's worth getting a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100 however it's worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up with spec and safety when buying for a baby but don't forget about the style. It is crucial to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to match any furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to build, even though it comes in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, when you can transform it into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. click hyperlink and sturdy construction impressed our testers, but the price tag might be a problem for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night It is important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model that has bars that are too closely separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
If you are buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the product description or on their website, however If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for a long time. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you keep using it after the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However, they are a great investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby has grown.
A cot is among the most important purchases you will make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it does not, you will need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots come with extra features, such as rails for teething. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mom testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents said hers lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with an modular design that allows it to be adapted into various 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. If your child grows older, you can upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.