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 tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib is the solution for your fussy baby. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the ideal size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. Some cots may have curving edges or other features that may alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot monitors the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the level of your child's sleeping area as they expand. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, and our panel found it easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. try this is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby's However, they must be secure. Choose a cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're purchasing a used crib, be sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where children might rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that might be removed, posing a choking risk to your child.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots available to transform into an infant bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery tidy and also has three adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important aspect to consider. You should choose an cot that has a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials If you have allergies. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing an older cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget the design. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours 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 can be. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, after which you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag might be a problem for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke, and you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily removed by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the product description of cots or cot beds, but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you keep using it after the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support the weight of a child for longer. However they are a great investment if you plan to use them long after your baby has grown.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you will make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it is not then you'll need to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect when you're not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes with a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents reported that hers had lasted through three 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 it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.