How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the right size to give your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they are around three years old. Some cots may have curved edges or other features that may alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are a lot of retailers on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better feel of the dimensions 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 will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It comes with a variety of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to construct.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four. It has three mattress height settings which allow 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 cots are essential for the nursery of your baby however, they must be safe. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to verify the date of purchase. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where children could rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and create the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's simple to put together and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping as they become more mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a new cot. great crib 's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100 however it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook the style. It is essential to select the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality design and smooth oval shape but it may be a little too pricey for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you choose a cot with bars that are too tightly separated, your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to be sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, which is 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 can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and even sofas, allowing you to use them past 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 be a great value for money if you intend to continue using them once your baby is older.
It's important to make sure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some are simple to put together which is ideal if you are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. One of our mom testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic look and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It is available in different sizes that will fit your room. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.