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 plastic strip on its top rails will help keep it neat and tidy.
This crib is the solution for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot is the perfect size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most babies until they reach around three years of age. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that could alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can check out an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you are seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems and can also track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the habits of your little one.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made out of solid beech, and comes with a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress bases which means you can alter the size of your child's bed as they increase in height. It's a great choice for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress heights, which will help you to easily reach your baby and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out 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 secure. Look for a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Examine 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 be removed, posing the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to convert into the toddler bed. The cot also has an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important aspect to consider. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out when they start to increase their mobility. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are many choices out available from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy an entirely new cot, you might think about a cot mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's well worth the investment for 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's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that will look great with any furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable, functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed by its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a little too pricey for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay during the day and night however it is essential that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you choose a model that has bars that are too closely separated, your child could become trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to accomplish that. browse around these guys into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use them beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive because they have to support the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your baby is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots are equipped with additional features such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some are simple to put together which is ideal if you are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of the footboard. It is available in various sizes that will suit your room. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with an modular design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.