How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent addition to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the right 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 babies until they reach around three years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that could alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to check the cot's footprint prior buying.
There are many retailers on the high street where you can check out the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can return a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. Best cot for newborn helps your baby get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues, and it can even track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the habits of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress options that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, but they must be secure too. Look for a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could be removed, posing the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. " cheap cot beds 's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots available to transform into a toddler bed. The cot has an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted, so you can make it suitable for your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is a further important factor to consider. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from climbing out as they increase their mobility. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll require, as there are a myriad of options available from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you may think about a cot mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's well worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't overlook style. A cot will be used for a long time so it's important to find one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the benefit of being able 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 into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however the cost might be a problem for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay during the day and night however it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure that your child is snug and secure. If you choose a cot with bars that are too tightly separated, your child could become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the product description of cots or cot beds but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use them beyond the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support an overweight child for a longer time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to use them for a long time after your baby has grown.
A cot is also one of 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. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots come with extra features like a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help reduce space and make your parenting experience simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together by yourself. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your space. One of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.