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 wonderful addition to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails help keep it tidy too.
This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It makes soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby the space 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. Certain cots might have curved edges or other features that could impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are plenty of shops on the high streets where you can check out the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's a great choice for infants or babies with breathing difficulties, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns to aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. crib sets is constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, 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 is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until the time your child is four. It has three mattress heights, which will help you reach your child easily, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be safe as well. Find an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may fall off, creating an choking risk for your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. " cot beds for sale 's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots available to transform into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights which means you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping when they begin to become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of cot mattress you'll need, since there are a variety of options out available from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing an older cot, you'll want to consult an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100 however it's well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when shopping for a baby but remember to think about the style. It is crucial to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that look great with any furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed was a feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and stylish. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is delivered flat, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the benefit of being able to grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, after which you can transform it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish but it may be a bit costly for some.
If you select the model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too closely separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you're purchasing an cot that converts to a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the product description or on their website, but if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. Most popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you keep using it after the infant stage. These cost more because they have to support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However, they are a great investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby is grown.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like storage drawers and teething rails that can help you save space and make your parenting life simpler. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal for those who are short on time or worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which has a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It is available in various sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through 3 children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is an open design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.