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 neat by having a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution to soothe your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. cots to tots should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach three years of age. Certain cots might have curved edges or other features that could affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. 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 seeking a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby to get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues, and it can even track their sleep cycles to aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your infant.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope Our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress options that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding an additional footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be safe too. Find a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly around the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that might peel off, posing an choking risk for your baby.
Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's very easy to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots available to convert into a toddler bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted, so you can make it suitable for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing out as they increase their mobility. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are a myriad of options available from foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. best cots uk is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a brand new cot. If you're buying a second-hand cot, it's worth getting a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby but don't forget about the design. It is essential to select the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs that can be matched to any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, 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 is five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its quality design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a little too pricey for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily removed by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you buy conforms to 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 beds will have this information in the product description or on their website, but if you have any concerns you should speak to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for a long time. Many popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it well beyond the baby stage. These tend to cost more because they have to support the weight of a larger child for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for money if you intend to use them until your child is older.
A cot is among the most important purchases you will make for your new baby It is crucial 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 is fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help save space and make life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mum testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It comes in different sizes that will suit your room. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has a modular design which allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is ideal 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. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.