How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top ranked cribs rails.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It makes soft sounds that sound like the womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the right size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features which can create problems with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your needs. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby to get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies with breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it simple to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, which will help you reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into an infant 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 essential part of your baby's nursery however, they must be safe too. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to verify the date of purchase. Lead paint is toxic for babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly on the sides, where children may rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and pose an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's simple to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler-sized bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. You should look for a cot with at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. It is also important to consider the type 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. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing an older cot, you'll want to consult an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about the design. A cot will be used for a long time so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that look great with the furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a best crib newborn can be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can transform it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a bit expensive for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism works efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for the cot or bed, but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for many years. Most popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to keep using it after the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby has developed.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps in any of the sides. If it isn't then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots have additional features such as teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is great if you're short on time or are worried about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out 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 suit your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through 3 children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The Mini Cot Bed model can be used from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be converted into an infant's bed. When your child is older you can upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.