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. It's also neat with a drawer as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It makes soothing sounds that resemble the sound of a mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size balances giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most babies until they are around three years of age. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features which can create problems with the fitting of a mattress, therefore it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return any cot that does not meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online cots, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, tots and cots it can be used with any cot or crib sets. It's a great choice for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing difficulties and it can track their sleep cycles to aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the height of your child's bed as they grow. 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 a budget-friendly alternative. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth up until your child is four. It has three mattress settings 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 includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be safe too. Choose a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should also have a solid 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 could contain lead which is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and create the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots have additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots available to transform into the toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that can be adjusted which means you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
The depth of the cot is a further important factor to consider. You should look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from climbing out as they become more mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You might also consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a new cot. If you're buying an older cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about the design. It's important to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in various colors 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 could be. The drawer under the bed was a nice feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple 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 design with the functionality 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, when you can transform it into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag could be a concern for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to rest both at night and during the day It is important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close together the cheap baby cots for sale - Suggested Looking at, could get trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the description of the product for 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 a long time. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it well past the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your baby has grown.
A cot is also among the most recommended cribs important purchases you'll make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it is not then you'll have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots come with additional features such as rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is a great benefit if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together. One of our mom testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is an elegant design and comes with a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It can be transformed to a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your space, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. Once your child is older you can upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.