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's also neat with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib is the solution for your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most babies until they reach three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that could result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, so it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can browse a wide range of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can swap out a cot that doesn't fit your needs. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for the best cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you better know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, comes with a removable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a variety of finishes, 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 height settings which will help you easily reach your baby, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery however, they must be safe too. Find an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Examine for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands since this could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and pose a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots available to convert into the toddler bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that are adjustable, so you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out as they grow more mobile. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll require, as there are a myriad of options there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up on safety and spec when shopping for a baby but don't forget about style. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it's crucial to choose one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that will look great with any furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able grow with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag might be a problem for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for an extended period of time. The majority of popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of the larger child for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for www.cots4tots.co.Uk the money if you plan to continue using them once your child is older.
A cot is among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it isn't, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble, which is perfect when you're short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a timeless look and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by taking one side off 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 fit your space, and one of our test parents said hers had lasted through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. When your child grows older, you can upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.