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 a wonderful accessory to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails will help keep it neat and tidy.
This smart crib could be the solution for your child who is fussy. It makes soft sounds that sound like the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot is the perfect size to provide your baby with room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most infants until they reach three years of age. However, some cots feature curves or other features which can create problems with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are many shops on the high streets that offer an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can exchange a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It has a range of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their needs. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings, and our panel found it simple to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with 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 the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for your baby's nursery however, they must be secure. Look for a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should also have a solid flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and pose the risk of choking your child.
Some cots come with additional features like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable 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 transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it for your growing child.
Another thing to consider 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 as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy an entirely new cot, you may think about a cot mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. If you're buying a secondhand cot, it's worth getting a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up on safety and spec when shopping for a baby, but don't forget about the design. It's important to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and 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 that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, at which point you can transform it to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a bit expensive for some.
If you select a 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 functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If best cots uk choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively, and can't be easily lifted by your child.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for a long time. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it long after the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive because they have to support the weight of an adult for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for money if you intend to keep using them after your child is older.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots also come with extra features such as teething rails, which can help you save space and make your life as a parent easier. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it together. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless style and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents said hers lasted through three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into an infant's bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to the junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.