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. It's also tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. recommended cribs for cots is 70cm x 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. Some cots could have curved edges or other features that could alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return any cot that isn't what you want. It's also worth shopping 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 are seeking a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby to get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's habits.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the size of your child's bed as they grow. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings, which allow you to easily reach your baby, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe as well. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might fall off, creating the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. " top ranked cribs 's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots available to convert into the toddler bed. The cot also has an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing the cot as they become more mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you may think about a cot mattress protector to safeguard against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. This will cost you about PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget 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 are available in different colourways and designs that are perfect for the furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the benefit of being able grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years old. old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however the cost could be a concern for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively, and can't be 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 if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of the cot or bed, but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last a long time and some models are designed to do just that. Many popular cots can be converted into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to keep using it after the infant stage. These are more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your baby is older.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it is not then you'll need to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots have additional features like a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is great if you're short on time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mum test subjects gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It can be transformed to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It comes in various sizes that will suit your space. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has a modular design which allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. If your child is older you can make the switch to a junior bed. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.