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. A drawer and a handy anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.
If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they are around three years old. Certain cots might have curved edges or other features that may impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are many shops on the high streets that offer the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalist cot is constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It has a range of mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their needs. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth up until your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings which will help you to reach your baby easily, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for your baby's nursery however, they must be safe. Look for a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, since this could cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that could be removed, posing a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should choose an cot that has at least 50cm of depth to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy an entirely new cot, you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot but don't forget about the design. A cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. There are plenty of cheap cot beds and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that are perfect for any nursery furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which made it a top pick with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. cot beds for sale is easy to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, at which point you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a little too pricey for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently and cannot be easily lifted by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last a long time and some models are designed to accomplish that. The majority of popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more 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 use them until your baby is older.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps on all sides. If it is not then you'll have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with additional features like a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mom testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It is available in different sizes that will suit your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has an open design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.