How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.
This crib is the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the 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 mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that can impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to double check your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return a cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing difficulties and it can monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the routines of your infant.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features a removable panel that can transform 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 space to fit their needs. It's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress heights, that will allow you to easily reach your baby and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby However, they must be secure. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're purchasing a used crib, be sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Examine for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child may rub their hands since this could cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could peel off, posing an choking risk for your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's easy to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized and also has three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should look for the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of your used cot 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 bogged down with spec and safety when buying for a baby but remember to think about the style. It is essential to select the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous 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 illustrates how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to build even though it is in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the benefit of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night, but it's important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you choose a model that has bars that are not properly separated, your child could get trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the mechanism for dropping is safe 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 if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for many years. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use them beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for money if you intend to continue using them once your baby has grown.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure that browse around here is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features such as teething rails that can help you save space and make your parenting life simpler. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mum test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic style and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be made a toddler bed by removing the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our testers said hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is an modular design that allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into an infant's bed. If your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.