How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails keep it tidy too.
This smart crib could be the solution for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between providing your baby with space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm by 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most infants until they reach three years of age. Some cots could have curves or other features that could affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are many stores on the high street that offer the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return any cot that does not meet your needs. You can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you are seeking a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's routines.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. via was also easy to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety 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 can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be secure. Find a cot that is certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where children might rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and present a choking hazard to your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots to convert into the toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that can be adjusted which means you can make it suitable for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is another important consideration. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth in order to stop your child from escaping as they grow more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy a new cot you might also be interested in a mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about the style. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours 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 an added feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and stylish. similar web page is easy to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is 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 reaches the age of five, after which you can convert it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a little too pricey for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too closely separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of the cot or bed, but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to accomplish that. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they are required to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby has grown.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is fully slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it is not then you'll need to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with extra features such as teething rails that can help to save space and make life as a parent simpler. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents said it lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with an modular design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition the side, it could be transformed into a toddler's bed. If your child is older you can then upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.