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 addition to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it neat and tidy.
This crib is the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic a baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size balances giving your baby the space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features that could create problems with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is important to double-check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
There are a lot of retailers on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's routines.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's also a good option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings, that will allow you reach your baby easily, and can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding a footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby However, they must be secure. Find a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's simple to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. cot beds for sale said it was also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler-sized 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 another important factor to consider. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping as they grow more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out available from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot, then you might also be interested in a mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's well worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when shopping for a baby, but don't forget about style. A cot will be used for a long period of time, so it's crucial to choose one that matches your baby's room and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that look great with any furniture or interiors that you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that made it a top pick with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able to grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child is five, after which you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a little too pricey for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke, and you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily removed by your child.
If you're purchasing 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 that is placed on the bar's top. This information is typically included in the product description of cots or cot beds, but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. The majority of popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to keep using it after the infant stage. These cost more because they are required to support a heavier child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby is developed.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and teething rails, which can help reduce space and make life as a parent easier. Some are simple to put together and are ideal if you are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. One of our mom test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and it can be converted it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.