How to Choose the Best 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 a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the right size to provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they reach around three years old. However, some cots have curved corners or other features which can cause issues with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is worth double checking the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can check out the wide selection of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a better feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It is a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties, and it can even track their sleep cycles and help you understand the routines of your infant.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress base positions which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area as they increase in height. It's also a great option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope Our panel found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and adding a footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, but they must be safe too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and pose an choking risk to your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's simple to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. It is also worth considering the type of mattress you'll require, as there are a myriad of options available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you may be interested in a mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's well worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the style. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, when you can convert it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its sleek oval design and quality construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day It is important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily removed by your child.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. top rated cots of cots and beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, however If you are concerned you should speak to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for a long time. Most popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they have to support the weight of a child for a longer time. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to use them for a long time after your baby is developed.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it does not then you'll have to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with additional features like a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic look and comes in a range of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents said hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is an modular design that allows it to be expanded into different 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 into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.