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. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails keep it neat and tidy.
If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble a womb.
Size
A good cot size strikes a balance between providing your Baby cot online with space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for babies between three and four years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features which can create problems with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return any cot that isn't what you want. You can also get a better feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's routines.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's bed as they grow. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope Our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress heights, that will allow you reach your child easily and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be safe. Choose an cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're purchasing a used cot, be sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child may rub their hands since this could cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that might be removed, posing an choking risk for your baby.
Some cots have extra features such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's easy to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights which means you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is an additional important aspect to consider. It is recommended cribs to choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. It is also important to consider the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are a variety of options out available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. This will usually cost around PS100 but it's well worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby, but don't forget about style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great crib illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to put together even though it is in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child is five, when you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a bit expensive for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model that has bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of cots offers or cot beds, but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. The most well-known converts into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it well past the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for money if you intend to continue using them once your baby is older.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it does not you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help reduce space and make life as a parent easier. Some are simple to put together which is ideal for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. One of our mom testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic style and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and then into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.