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. A drawer and an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it neat too.
This crib is the solution to soothe your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size balances giving your baby room to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they are around three years of age. Some cots could have curves or other features that can affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore important to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are many stores on the high street that offer a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. cot bed sales of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also worth shopping 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 are looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you know your child's behavior.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the level of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's a great option for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until your child is four. It comes with three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that is toxic to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may peel off, posing the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's easy to put together and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also has an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. Look for hop over to here that is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping as they increase their mobility. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a new cot. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when shopping for a baby but remember to think about style. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that are perfect for the furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Our test subjects were awed by its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish but it may be a little too pricey for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to rest both at night and during the day It is important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you select a cot with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and isn't easily lowered by your child.
If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, be sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds, but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. Many popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to keep using it after the baby stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer period, however they can be a great value for the money if you plan to use them until your child is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it does not, you will need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help to save space and make your parenting experience easier. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal if you're short on time or are worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic style and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress height positions and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of a side it can be converted into a toddler's bed. If your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to the junior bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.