How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.
If infant cot bed is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features that could create problems with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are many retailers on the high street where you can browse a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. Baby Cot Bed for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's habits.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their needs. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress height settings, which will help you reach your child easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for your baby's nursery however, they must be safe. Look for an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially 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 create a choking hazard to your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's simple to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs that can be converted into a toddler 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 which means you can use it for your growing baby.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy a new cot, then you may be interested in a mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. If you're buying an older cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's well worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the style. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that matches your baby's room and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to match the furniture and interiors of your nursery that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a nice feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and stylish. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the benefit of being able to grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child turns five years old. old, when it can be transformed to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a little too pricey for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night however it is essential that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively and isn't easily removed by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually 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 usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. Many popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it long after the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to continue using them once your baby has grown.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you will make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it does not you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots are equipped with additional features such as rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mom testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition a side it can be transformed into an infant's bed. If your child grows older, you can upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.