How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot is the right size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most babies until they reach three years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features which can cause issues with the fitting 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, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your cheap baby cots for sale's cry and gently rock 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 is a great option for fussy newborns and babies with breathing problems and can also monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the routines of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. The cot is minimalist and constructed from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the size of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's also a good option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, and our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings which allow you to reach your baby easily and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe as well. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended cribs.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where children may rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might fall off, creating the risk of choking your Baby Cot Bed.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. It's simple to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are many choices out available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to shield the mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, it's worth getting an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby but remember to think about style. 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 and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in a variety of colors and designs that look great with the furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed 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 functional as it is fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was simple to put together even though it is in a flatpack, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the benefit of being able grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child is five, after which you can transform it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however the cost might be a problem for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too closely separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure 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. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the product description or on their website, but If you are concerned you should speak to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to accomplish that. Many popular cots 4 tots can be transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it long after the baby stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support an overweight child for a longer time. However, they are a great investment if you are planning to use them for a long time after your baby is grown.
A cot is among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is fully slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't, you will have to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with additional features like a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are easy 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 testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will fit your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through 3 children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can then upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and smooth oval shape.