How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. best rated cribs makes it a wonderful accessory to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails will help keep it tidy too.
This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features that can create problems with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are many stores on the high street that offer a wide range of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot can monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the size of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress heights, which allow you to easily reach your baby, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for your baby's nursery However, they must be secure. Find an cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly on the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and pose a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's easy to assemble and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options available from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, it's worth getting an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about style. cheap cots is going to be used for a long period of time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in various colors and designs to match the furniture and interiors of your nursery 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. The drawer under the bed was an added feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack, with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child is five, at which point you can transform it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot that has bars that are too closely separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to be sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you keep using it after the baby stage. These are more expensive because they have to support the weight of a larger child for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for the money if you plan to use them until your baby is older.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps in any of the sides. If it isn't you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots are equipped with additional features like a storage drawer or teething rails. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal when you're not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all 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 images.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a classic design and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It is available in different sizes that will suit your space. One of our testers said hers lasted through three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top option for aesthetics with our panel-loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.