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 tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble the sound of a mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. Some cots could have curves or other features that may alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a better feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. most recommended cribs is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It is a great option for infants or babies with breathing problems and it can track their sleep cycles and help you understand the routines of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their needs. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress heights, that will allow you to reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby's, but they must also be secure. Choose an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should also have a solid flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure to check the age of the cot. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands since this could cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and create a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots have extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's simple to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot with at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto 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 may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to shield the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that are perfect for the furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed 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 stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able 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 it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Its smooth oval finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers however the cost may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your child could get trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you are buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns you should speak to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for an extended period of time. Most popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you continue using it long after the baby stage. They cost more as they have to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to use them long after your baby has grown.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it is not then you'll have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help reduce space and make parenting experience simpler. Some are simple to put together and are ideal if you are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mom testers as being the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents said hers lasted through three children.
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 for use from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be converted into the bed of a toddler. When your child reaches an older age, you can 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.