How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a wonderful accessory to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they reach around three years old. Some cots could have curves or other features that could alter the size of a bed mattress. best cots uk is therefore important to check the cot's footprint prior buying.
There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can check out an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's rest. It can be placed 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, which will help you understand the routines of your little one.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It comes with a variety of mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint could contain lead which can be harmful to infants. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and present a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's simple to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery clean, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out when they begin to grow more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you around PS100 however it's worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when shopping for a baby but remember to think about the design. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot could 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 useful as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another alternative for an elegant cot is the 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 it can be converted to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay during the day and night however it is essential that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you select a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. you should also check that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily removed by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, but should you have any questions, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use them past the infant stage. They are more expensive because they have to support the weight of a child for a longer time. However, they are a great investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby is grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps on all sides. If it does not you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots come with additional features like rails for teething. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and images.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic design and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made a toddler bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your space, and one of our test parents said it lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and then to a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.
