How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it neat and tidy.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most babies until they are around three years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that may alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to check the cot's footprint prior buying.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and can also track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the routines of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with a removable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for your baby's nursery, 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 also have a firm flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where children may rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing an choking risk for your child.
Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum 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 said it was also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. You should look for a cot with at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. You may also want to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100 however it's well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when buying for a baby but don't forget about the style. It's important to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to put together even though it is in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
infant cot bed is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can convert it to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its sleek oval design and quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price might be a problem for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently and cannot be easily lowered by your child.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds but you can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for an extended period of time. The majority of popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the baby stage. These are more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of a larger child for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to continue using them once your child is older.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it isn't then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
Baby Cot Bed are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. 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 pictures.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic look and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will fit your space. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through three kids.
Another option 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 an additional side, it can be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can then upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.