How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent addition to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it neat too.
This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the ideal size to allow your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. Some cots could have curved edges or other features that may alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to check the cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can return the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you better know your child's behavior.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions which means you can alter the level of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress heights, which will help you to easily reach your baby and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding a footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of your baby's nursery but they must be safe too. Look for a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not overly old, as paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers because they can come off and present the risk of choking your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being 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 easiest cots on the market to convert into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that can be adjusted, so you can make it suitable for your growing baby.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing out as they increase their mobility. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options available from foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you may think about a cot mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's well worth the investment 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 style. A cot will be used for a long time so it's crucial to choose one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, www.cots4tots.co.uk 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 turns five years old. old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our test subjects were awed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day It is important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your child could become trapped or choke. You should also be sure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, be sure it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at 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 for a long time, and certain models are made to do that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas which allows you to use it past the infant stage. These cost more because they must support an overweight child for longer. However they are a great investment if you intend to use them long after your baby is developed.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots have additional features such as rails for teething. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together. One of our mum testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic style and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into 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's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents stated that it lasted for three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into a toddler's bed. When your child is older you can upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.