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 addition to any nursery. It's also tidy by having a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the sound of a womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the ideal size to allow your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to fit most babies until they reach around three years old. Some cots could have curves or other features that can impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return any cot that isn't what you want. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's bed as they grow. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of your baby's nursery but they have to be safe too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're purchasing a used crib, be sure to determine the date of purchase. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where a child might rub their hands. see post can cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and present an choking risk to your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots available to convert into an infant bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for an cot that has at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the type of cot mattress you'll need, since there are many choices out there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot, then you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby, but don't forget about style. A cot will be used for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in various colors and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality 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 is five, after which you can convert it into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a bit expensive for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay during the day and night, but it's important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you select a cot with bars that are not properly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of cots or cot beds but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use it past the infant stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold 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 use them until your child is older.
It's important to make sure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it is not, you will have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots have extra features, such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some are simple to put together which is ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mum testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless design and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It comes in various sizes that will suit your space. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with an modular design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be transformed into an infant's bed. Once your child grows older, you can then upgrade to the junior bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and smooth oval shape.