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. It is also kept tidy with a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This crib is the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble a womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for infants up to three years old. Some cots could have curved edges or other features that may impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues and can also monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the habits of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalistic cot is made of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's also a good option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's 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, that will allow you to reach your baby easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be secure too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Look for simply click the next website page that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers as these can peel off and create the risk of choking your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots available to transform into the toddler bed. The cot has an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted that allow you to use it for your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. It is recommended to choose an cot that has a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot when they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the type of mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If cot sale looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you might be interested in a mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's well worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when buying for a baby but don't forget about style. A cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it's crucial to choose one that matches the room of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot can be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to build even though it is in a flatpack, complete with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the benefit of being able grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child is five, at which point it can be converted into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our test subjects were awed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a little too pricey for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't 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 it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child.
If you're buying an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. The majority of cots and cots will have this information in the product description or on their website, but If you are concerned you should speak to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for a long time. Most popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more because they have to support the weight of a larger child for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to use them until your baby is older.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it is not, you will have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots are equipped with additional features such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together yourself. One of our mum test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents stated that it lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is an modular design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into the bed of a toddler. When your child grows older, you can upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.