How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails keep it neat too.
This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your child who is fussy. It makes soft sounds that sound like the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the perfect size to provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most babies until they are around three years old. Certain cots might have curved edges or other features that could affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are many shops on the high streets where you can browse an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can return the cot that doesn't meet your needs. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks 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, comes with an adjustable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions which means you can alter the size of your child's bed as they grow. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. crib sets was also easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a variety of finishes, 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 height settings, that will allow you reach your child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's however, they must be secure too. Look for an cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're purchasing a used cot, make sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where children could rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers as these can peel off and pose a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's very easy to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into an infant bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that are adjustable that allow you to make it suitable for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from escaping as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of cot mattress you'll need, since there are a variety of options out there from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot, then you may want to consider a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when buying for a baby but remember to think about the design. A cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in various colors and designs to match any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the benefit of being able to grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. older, at which point it can be transformed to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy design and smooth oval shape but it may be a bit expensive for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night, but it's important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you choose a cot with bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
If you're buying an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, but you can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. The majority of popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it long after the infant stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer period, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to continue using them once your baby has grown.
It's important to make sure 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 check that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it is not then you'll need to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots also come with extra features such as rails for teething, which can help you save space and make parenting experience simpler. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together 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 stunning Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot by the addition a footboard. It is available in a variety of sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for 3 children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and then into a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.