How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails keep it neat and tidy.
If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most infants until they are around three years of age. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features which can create problems with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you buy.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your needs. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. best cot beds listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems and can also monitor their sleep patterns, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your infant.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the size of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, but they must be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you are purchasing a second-hand crib, be sure to check the age of the cot. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and present an choking risk to your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots 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 heights that can be adjusted, so you can use it for your growing child.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose an cot that has at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing up the cot when they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you may think about a cot mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget the design. A cot will be used for a long time so it's important to find one that suits the room of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with any furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the benefit of being able grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years of age, at which point it could be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish but it may be a bit expensive for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest both at night and during the day, but it's important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you select a cot with bars that are too closely separated, your child could get trapped or choke. It is also important to be sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for money if you intend to keep using them after your child is older.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you will make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will have to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots are equipped with additional features such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mum testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless style and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents stated that hers had lasted through three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. Once your child reaches an older age, you can then upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.