How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent addition to any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot is the ideal size to provide your baby with space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features that can cause issues with the fit of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing problems and it can track their sleep cycles to help you understand the habits of your little one.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the height of your child's bed as they expand. It's also a great option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, and our panel found it simple to assemble.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings, which allow you easily reach your baby and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides 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 however, they must be secure. Choose a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where children could rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing an choking risk for your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots available to convert into the toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights which means you can use it for your growing baby.
Another thing 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 escaping as they grow more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase a new cot. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook style. It's important to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that earned it high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and stylish. best cot newborn appreciated that the cot was easy to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another option for an elegant cot is the 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 from birth or until your child is five, when it can be converted into a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers however the cost might be a problem for some.
If you select the model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke, and you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and effectively and isn't easily lifted by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for an extended period of time. Many popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it well beyond the baby stage. They cost more as they must support an overweight child for a longer time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby has grown.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you'll 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 page to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help to reduce space and make life as a parent simpler. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal if you are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a classic style and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be transformed into 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's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.