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 wonderful addition to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your baby who is a bit fussy. It makes soothing sounds that resemble a womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. Some cots could have curved edges or other features that may affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can browse an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a better feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing problems or fussy newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their needs. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
mini cotbed -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 is suitable from birth up until your child is four. It has three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be safe. Choose a cot that has been certified to comply with 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 that aren't suggested.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where children might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could peel off, posing the risk of choking your child.
Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's really easy to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots available to convert into the toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important aspect to consider. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep in order to stop your child from escaping when they start to become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing an older cot, it's worth getting a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's well worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget style. It is essential to select the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with the furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to construct even though it is in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to 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 converted into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our test subjects were awed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish but it may be a little too pricey for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep during the day and night, but it's important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby is snug and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke, and you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and isn't easily lowered by your child.
If you're buying a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically 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 product description of cots or cot beds but you can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. Many popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they are required to support a heavier child for a longer period of time. However, they are a great investment if you plan to use them long after your baby is grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps at all sides. If it isn't, you will need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like teething rails, which can help save space and make life as a parent simpler. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal for those who 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 mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. Mini Cot Bed has a timeless style and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be transformed to a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It is available in various sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready. It's also a top option for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.