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 as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails will help keep it tidy too.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your fussy baby. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A cheap cot bed that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most infants up to three years old. Some cots may have curving edges or other features that can impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are a lot of stores on the high street that offer a wide range of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return any cot that isn't what you want. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will look in your nursery.
If you are seeking a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot monitors the best baby cots's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. This minimalistic cot is made of solid beech and has a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions which means you can alter the size of your child's bed as they expand. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four. It has three mattress options that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for your baby's nursery however, they must be secure. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint is toxic for babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, since this could cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and present an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with additional features like teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. 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 transform into a toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery tidy and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing out when they begin to grow more mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's well worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up with spec and safety when buying for a baby but don't forget about the design. It is crucial to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs that can be matched to any furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's 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 made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to build and was delivered in a flatpack, complete with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish, functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able 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. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers however the cost might be a problem for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest 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 select a cot with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively and isn't easily removed by your child.
If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip at the top 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
Some models are built to last for many years. Many popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant cot bed stage. These are more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of the 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 child is older.
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 make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't, you will need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots to tots are easy to put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It is available in various sizes that will fit your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has a modular design which allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.