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's also neat with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It makes soothing sounds that resemble the sound of a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the right size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. Certain cots might have curved edges or other features that can affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can exchange a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. cheap cot bed 's also a good idea to shop 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 looking for the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating 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 monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the routines of your little one.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the level of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to set up.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress heights, which will help you easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe too. Choose a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Check for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, since this could cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that might be removed, posing an choking risk for your child.
Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots to convert into the toddler bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out as they increase their mobility. It is also worth considering the type of mattress you'll need, since there are a variety of options out available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you might be interested in a mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's well worth it 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 don't forget about style. A cot is going to be used for a long period of time, so it's crucial to choose one that suits the room of your baby and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that will look great with any furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years old. older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price may be a hindrance for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke. you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily removed by your child.
If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time, and some models are made to do that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and even sofas, allowing you to use it beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive because they have to support the weight of a larger child for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to use them until your child is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it does not you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make parenting experience simpler. Some are simple to put together and are ideal if you are short on time or worried about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mum testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to 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 it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It is available in different sizes that will fit your space. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with an modular design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be transformed into an infant's bed. When your child is older you can then upgrade to the junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.