How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A good cot is the right size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most babies up to around three years old. However, cheap cot beds have curved corners or other features which can result in issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
There are a lot of stores on the high street where you can browse the wide selection of cots. Best cot for newborn include Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. crib sets can help your baby to get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's a great option for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues and it can track their sleep cycles and help you understand the habits of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress heights, which will help you reach your baby easily, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be safe as well. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands as this may cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and create an choking risk to your child.
Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots on the market to transform into the toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that are adjustable which means you can use it for your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is a further important factor to consider. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from climbing out when they start to increase their mobility. It is also worth considering 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 that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot, then you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby but remember to think about the design. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it's important to find one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the functionality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years old. older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a little too pricey for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently and cannot be easily lifted by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of cots or cot beds but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it past the infant stage. These cost more because they have to support an overweight child for a longer time. However they are an excellent investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby has grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots also come with extra features like storage drawers and teething rails that can help reduce space and make your life as a parent easier. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of the 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 has a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into an infant's bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.