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 wonderful addition to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.
If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow and not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. Some cots could have curved edges or other features that may affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to check the cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can 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 sleep. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. top ranked cribs comes with a variety of mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot has 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. 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 should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you are purchasing a second-hand crib, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands since this could cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and pose the risk of choking your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to put together and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot also has an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
Another thing to consider 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 up the cot as they become mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll need, since there are a variety of options out available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about style. It's important to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in various colors and designs to match any nursery furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish and functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the functionality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a bit expensive for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep during the day and night however it is essential that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you choose a cot with bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, but should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for many years. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use them beyond the infant stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support an overweight child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you are planning to use them for a long time after your baby is developed.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you will make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it does not then you'll need to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with extra features like a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help you reduce space and make parenting life simpler. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal if you are short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It is available in various sizes that will suit your room. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be converted into an infant's bed. If your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.