How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This smart crib could be the solution for your fussy baby. It makes soft sounds that sound like a mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features that can create problems with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
There are a lot of retailers on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the height of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to set up.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, which will help you reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be secure too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a used cot, make sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child may rub their hands as this may cause skin irritation. Examine see more or transfers that might fall off, creating an choking risk for your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, 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 the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted, so you can use it for your growing baby.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out when they start to become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase a new cot. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's well worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby but don't forget about the design. It is crucial to choose the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds are available in a variety of styles and colours that are perfect for any furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the functionality of being able to grow with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. old, when it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers, but the price tag might be a problem for some.
If you select the model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke, and you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily lowered by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, but If you are concerned it's a good idea to speak with 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 allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of a larger child for a longer period, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to use them until your baby has grown.
A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps in all of the sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with extra features such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help you reduce space and make parenting experience easier. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.