How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
With its sleek minimalist design and warm oak finish, this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it neat too.
This crib is the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It makes soothing sounds that mimic a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the ideal size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for babies between three and four years old. small cot beds could have curving edges or other features that can impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating 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 ideal for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.
best cots is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot is made out of solid beech, and comes with a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's a great choice for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings that will allow you reach your child easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in an additional footboard. most recommended cribs has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be safe too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used cot, make sure to determine the date of purchase. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Check for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands since this could cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that could fall off, creating a choking risk to your child.
Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots to transform into an infant bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable which means you can make it suitable for your growing baby.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for the cot to have at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing up the cot as they become mobile. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options there from foam and spring interiors to 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 safeguard against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about style. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with the furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable, functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the functionality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years old. of age, at which point it could be transformed to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and sturdy construction impressed our testers however the cost may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively and isn't easily lowered by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, but If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. The majority of popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to keep using it after the infant stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your baby has grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't, you will have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like storage drawers and teething rails, which can help save space and make life as a parent easier. Others are easy to assemble, which is perfect when you're short on time or worried about putting it together. One of our mom testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available with a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents said hers lasted through three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be converted into the bed of a toddler. When your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to the junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.