How to Choose the Best Cots Uk Cots in the UK
With its sleek, minimalist design and warm oak finish, this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This crib is the solution to soothe your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot is the ideal size to provide your baby with room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that can alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to double check your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return any cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also worth shopping online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems, and it can even track their sleep cycles and help you understand the routines of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalist cot is constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It has a range of 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 rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth up until your child is four. 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 the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe too. 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 check the date of purchase. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may peel off, posing a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with additional features like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots on the market to convert into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean 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. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out when they start to become more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget the design. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs to complement any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that made it a top pick with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
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 as a cot from birth until the time your child is five, when you can convert it into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however the cost may be a hindrance for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is snug and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and reliably and isn't easily lifted by your child.
If you're buying an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the product description or on their website, however If you are concerned you should speak to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. Most popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it long after the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your baby has grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with extra features like storage drawers and teething rails that can help you reduce space and make life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mom testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless style and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents said it lasted for three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.