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 an excellent accessory to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. Some cots may have curved edges or other features that could impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are plenty of shops on the high streets where you can browse the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. most recommended cribs is designed to aid your baby's journey to a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is a great option for infants or babies with breathing problems and it can track their sleep cycles, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the level of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging 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 to easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery but they have to be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used cot, make sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Examine for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that may fall off, creating an choking risk for your child.
Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's very easy to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into a toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights which means you can make it suitable for your growing baby.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should choose an cot that has at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up on safety and spec when shopping for a baby but don't forget about style. A cot will be used for a long time so it is essential to choose one that matches your baby's room and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to match any furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot could be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a nice feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and stylish. top ranked cribs is simple to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
most recommended cribs for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can '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 by the removal of a side. Our test subjects were awed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep during the day and night It is important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care 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 mechanism for dropping works smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily removed by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for the cot or bed, but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to accomplish that. Most popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to keep using it after the infant stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support an overweight child for a longer time. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to use them long after your baby is grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots come with extra features such as teething rails that can help save space and make your life as a parent easier. Others are easy to assemble and are ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. 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 images.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic look and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will suit your room. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be converted into the bed of a toddler. If your child grows older, you can upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.