How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the right size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to fit most babies until they reach around three years of age. Some cots could have curved edges or other features that may alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore important to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are a lot of stores on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing difficulties and it can monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the habits of your little one.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until your child is four. It has three mattress height settings which will help you to reach your child easily and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery however, they must be secure too. Look for a cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly on the sides, where children may rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could fall off, creating a choking risk to your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots to transform into a toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable that allow you to make it suitable for your growing baby.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing the cot as they become more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You might also consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the design. It is crucial to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. There are plenty 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 wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed was a feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to build and was delivered in a flatpack with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the benefit of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child is five, at which point you can transform it into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers however the cost may be a hindrance for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep during the day and night It is important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them carefully to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke. you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily removed by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a 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 the cot or bed, however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are made to do that. Most popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer time, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to continue using them once your baby is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it isn't you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots have extra features, such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is a great benefit if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic look and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be transformed to a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It comes in different sizes that will suit your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through 3 children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. online cots picked it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.