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 great accessory to any nursery. It is also kept tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This crib is the answer for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A good cot is the perfect size to give your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. Some cots could have curved edges or other features that may affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore important to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your needs. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's rest. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It has a range of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It's available in a variety 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 height settings, which allow you easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for your baby's nursery however, they must be safe. Find a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, since this could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and pose the risk of choking your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's simple to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from escaping as they increase their mobility. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. best rated cribs will cost you around PS100, but it is well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about the style. It is essential to select the right cot for the nursery of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that are perfect for the furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its smooth oval finish and quality construction impressed our test subjects however the cost could be a concern for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are not properly separated, your child could become trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, however If you are concerned it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it well beyond the infant stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support a heavier child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you plan to use them long after your baby is grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose is in compliance with 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 does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it is not then you'll have to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with extra features such as storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help to save space and make life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. cot sets , for instance, was rated by one our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be converted into a toddler's bed. When your child is older you can upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.