How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails keep it neat too.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot is the perfect size to provide your baby with space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most infants up to three years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features which can cause issues with the fit of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to check your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are plenty of shops on the high streets where you can check out the wide selection of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. cot sets 's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot monitors the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's a great choice for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and can also monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the habits of your little one.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions which means you can alter the size of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's a great choice for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four. It has three mattress height settings, which allow you easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in the footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby's however, they must be secure. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're purchasing a used crib, be sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint is toxic for babies. Check for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands as this may cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and create the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's simple to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. great crib noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose a cot with at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're planning to buy an entirely new cot, you might think about a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook the design. It is essential to select the right cot for the nursery of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to match any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed was a feature that earned it high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to construct and was delivered in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish but it may be a bit costly for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot that has bars that are too closely spaced, your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it is compliant 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 description of the product for the cot or bed, but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for a long time. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it well past the infant stage. These cost more because they are required to support a heavier child for a longer time. However, they are a great investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby is grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps in any of the sides. If it does not, you will need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots come with extra features like rails for teething, which can help you save space and make your life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mom testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It is available in different sizes that will suit your space. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition a side it can be transformed into an infant's bed. Once your child grows older, you can upgrade to a junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics with our panel-loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.