How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails help keep it tidy too.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they reach around three years old. Some cots may have curves or other features that may affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are many stores on the high street where you can check out an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. 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 to get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress bases that allows you to alter the level of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's a great choice for small bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings, that will allow you to reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of your baby's nursery however, they must be safe as well. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're purchasing a used crib, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Check for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, since this could cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and create a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots to transform into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you may be interested in a mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget style. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that matches the room of your baby and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds are available in a variety of styles and colours that look great with the furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able to grow with' your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years old, when it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its smooth oval 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. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If best cots uk select a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily removed by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to accomplish that. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it long after the baby stage. They are more expensive because they must support a heavier child for a longer period of time. However, they are a great investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby has developed.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it does not then you'll need to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features like storage drawers and teething rails, which can help reduce space and make life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great if you're short on time or are worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
cots to tots is a different option. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use 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 make the switch to an adult bed. It's also a top option for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.