How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they are around three years old. Some cots may have curved edges or other features that can affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are a lot of retailers on the high street where you can check out an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop 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 are seeking a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. Full Statement can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you know your child's behavior.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the level of your child's sleeping area as they expand. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress height settings, that will allow you easily reach your baby, and can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be secure. Find an cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Look for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands as this may cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and pose an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's simple to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are a myriad of options there from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot, then you might also be interested in a mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's well worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook the design. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it's important to find one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to match any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. old, when it can be transformed to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our testers however the cost might be a problem 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 smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a cot with bars that are too tightly separated, your child could get trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is in compliance with 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 across the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for many years. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use them past the infant stage. These cost more because they have to support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby has developed.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine 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 does not then you'll have to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with extra features like teething rails that can help reduce space and make parenting experience easier. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect when you're short on time or worried about putting it together. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic look and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of the footboard. cot sets 's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents stated that hers had lasted through three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into an infant's bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can then upgrade to the junior bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.