How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails keep it neat too.
This crib is the answer for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to give your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they reach three years of age. However, some cots come with curves or other features that can cause issues with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. affordable cots 's also worth shopping online, since you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great option for infants or babies who have breathing issues and it can track their sleep cycles and help you understand the routines of your little one.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding a footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly on the sides, where children might rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and create an choking risk to your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots to convert into a toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable that allow you to make it suitable for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. You should look for the cot to have at least 50cm of depth to prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you might also think about a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, it's worth getting an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot but don't forget about style. It's important to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and stylish. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, when you can transform it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day however it is essential to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, be sure it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. The majority of cots and cots will have this information in the product description or on their website, but if you have any concerns you should speak to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for a long time. Many popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you keep using it after the baby stage. These cost more because they must support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you intend to use them for a long time after your baby has developed.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't, you will have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features such as a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help you reduce space and make life as a parent easier. Some cots are simple put together, which is great in case you're running out of time or are worried about putting them together. One of our mum testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless look and comes in a range of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress height positions and can be made a toddler bed by removing the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your room, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is an modular design that allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. If your child is older you can then upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.