How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
With its sleek, minimalist design and warm oak finish this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails keep it neat and tidy.
This crib is the solution to soothe your child who is fussy. It makes soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most infants up to three years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features that can result in issues with the size of a mattress, so it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return a cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's a great choice for infants or babies with breathing difficulties, and it can even track their sleep cycles and help you understand the habits of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress heights, which allow you easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby however, they must be secure. Choose an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Examine for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and present the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots available to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping when they begin to become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you might think about a cot mattress protector to safeguard against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and fix 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 in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby, but don't forget about the design. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to complement any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed was a feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the functionality of being able grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child is five, at which point you can transform it into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however, the price may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too closely separated, your child could get trapped or choke. You should also be sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, be sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to accomplish that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive because they have to support the weight of a larger child for a longer time, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your baby has grown.
A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is fully slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't you'll have to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as teething rails that can help save space and make your parenting experience simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or are concerned about putting them together. One of our mom testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. browse around here comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available with a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by removing one side of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be converted into an infant's bed. When your child is older you can upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.