How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails help keep it tidy too.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the right size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. 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 feature curved corners or other features which can create problems with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to check your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a better feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. mini cotbed to help you better understand your child's routines.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It 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 simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be secure. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Check for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child may rub their hands as this may cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers because they can come off and pose the risk of choking your child.
Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots available to transform into a toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that can be adjusted, so you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase an entirely new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100 however it's worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when purchasing a baby's cot but don't forget about the style. It is essential to select the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first 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 has helped it get top marks on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is delivered flat, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable, functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the practicality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its smooth oval finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.
If you select an item with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily removed by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts 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 it's a good idea to speak with the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time and some models are made to do that. Most popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you keep using it after the baby stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for the money if you plan to continue using them once your baby is older.
It's important to make sure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Check 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 in all of the sides. If it is not then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with extra features, such as teething rails. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is a great benefit if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together. One of our mom testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your space, and one of our test parents said it lasted for three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. When your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to the junior bed. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.