How to Choose the Best cots Uk 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 strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it neat and tidy.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the sound of a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size balances giving your baby room to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that can result in issues with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to check your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with a removable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the height of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's also a great crib choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range 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 options that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for your baby's nursery, but they must also be secure. Choose an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is toxic to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that may peel off, posing an choking risk for your Baby Cot Bed.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish 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 cots to convert into the toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose an cot that has at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot when they become more mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. You may also want to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a new cot beds. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, it's worth getting a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's well worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget the design. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. There are plenty of cots and cots are available in a variety of styles and colours that will look great with any furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack, with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child is five, at which point you can convert it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy design and smooth oval shape but it may be a bit expensive for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to sleep during the day and night however it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you select a cot that has bars that are too closely spaced, your baby may be trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, however should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it well beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they have to support an overweight child for a longer time. However they are an excellent investment if you plan to use them long after your baby is developed.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it does not you'll have to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features like teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make your parenting life simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mom test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.