How to Choose the Best cots uk affordable cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails keep it neat and tidy.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. However, some cots come with curves or other features that can cause issues with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also worth shopping online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's habits.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's a great option for small bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, that will allow you to easily reach your baby and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for your baby's nursery however, they must be secure. Look for a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and has 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 used crib, be sure to check the age of it. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Check for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child may rub their hands because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and pose a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots to convert into the toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy and also has three adjustable heights so you can use it as your Baby Crib grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand best cot newborn, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about style. A cot will be in use for a long time so it's important to find one that suits the room of your baby and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cots are available in different colourways and designs that look great with any furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib sets could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to construct even though it is in a flatpack with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable, functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able to grow with' your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years of age, at which point it could be transformed to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers, but the price tag could be a concern for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest during the day and night however it is essential to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them closely to ensure that your child is snug and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently and cannot be easily lifted by your child.
If you are buying an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. This information is usually found in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to accomplish that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use them beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they must support the weight of a child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you plan to use them long after your baby is grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as a storage drawer or teething rails. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are worried about putting them together yourself. One of our mom test subjects gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic style and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then, it can be transformed into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents said hers lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great crib option. It is a modular design which allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition a side it can be converted into the bed of a toddler. If your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.