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 a great addition to any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution for your child who is fussy. It makes soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to provide your baby with space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots have curved corners or other features which can result in issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, www.cots4tots.co.uk emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. The cot is minimalistic, constructed from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the height of your child's sleeping area as they increase in height. It's also a good option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, which will help you easily reach your baby, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be safe as well. Look for a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which is harmful to babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, since this could cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and pose an choking risk to your child.
Some cots have extra features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's easy to put together and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help 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 an cot that has a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're considering buying an entirely new cot, you might be interested in a mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100 however it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget style. It's important to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that look great with the furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed was a feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and stylish. The cot is simple to put together, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Its smooth oval finish and quality construction impressed our testers however the cost might be a problem for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest during the day and night, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you choose a cot with bars that are too closely separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, but If you are concerned it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to accomplish that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it past the infant stage. They cost more as they must support the weight of a child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to use them long after your baby has grown.
A cot is among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is fully slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots come with extra features like teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make your life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together. One of our mum test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into an infant bed by removing 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 stated that hers lasted through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to build it into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition the side, it could be converted into the bed of a toddler. When your child is older you can then upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.