How to Choose the best cots uk (Full Piece of writing) Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent addition to any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This smart crib could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to fit most babies until they reach three years old. However, some cots have curves or other features that could result in issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
There are plenty of shops on the high streets where you can browse an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can return the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to the 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 cot or crib. It is a great option for infants or babies with breathing problems and it can track their sleep cycles to help you understand the habits of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. This minimalist cot is constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the level of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, and 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 range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four. It comes with three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be safe as well. Look for a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. 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 second-hand cot, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that is toxic to babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, as this may cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing an choking risk for your child.
Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cheap cots to convert into a toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that are adjustable that allow you to make it suitable for your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is another important consideration. It is recommended to choose a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a myriad of options available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. You might also consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase an entirely new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the design. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. There are plenty of cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that are perfect for any furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed was a nice feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the functionality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. old, when it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to lay both at night and during the day however it is essential to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily lowered by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top rated cots of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of the cot or bed, however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for an extended period of time. Most popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant cot bed stage. These are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of a larger child for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your baby has grown.
A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't, you will need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots come with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal when you're 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 the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It is available in various sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our test subjects said hers lasted through 3 children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has a modular design which allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The Mini Cot Bed model can be used from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be converted into the bed of a toddler. Once your child is older you can upgrade to the junior bed. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.