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. It's also neat with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your baby who is a bit fussy. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble the sound of a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the right size to allow your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots feature curves or other features which can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are many shops on the high streets that offer a wide range of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a feel of the dimensions 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 monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby to get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's a great choice for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing difficulties and it can monitor their sleep patterns, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your infant.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made of solid beech and has a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their requirements. best cots 's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to construct.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress heights, which will help you easily reach your baby and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for your baby's nursery However, they must be secure. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and present a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's easy to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that are adjustable, so you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
The depth of the cot is another important consideration. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping when they begin to increase their mobility. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up on safety and spec when shopping for a baby but remember to think about the design. It's important to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot can be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to construct even though it is in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child is five, when you can convert it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot that has bars that are not properly separated, your child could get trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it long after the infant stage. They cost more as they must support an overweight child for a longer time. However they are a great investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby has developed.
A cot is among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mom testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and is available with a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.