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 keep it tidy too.
This smart crib could be the answer for your fussy baby. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between providing your baby with space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for infants up to three years old. Some cots could have curved edges or other features that may affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are plenty of stores on the high street that offer an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cheap cot bed and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues and can also track their sleep cycles, which will help you understand the routines of your infant.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It has a range of mattress bases, which means you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety 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 let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
best cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby However, they must be safe. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where children may rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that might be removed, posing the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots have additional features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's simple to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that are adjustable, so you can use it for your growing child.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth, as this will stop your child from climbing out as 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, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy a new cot, then you might think about a cot mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. It's usually around PS100 but it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child, it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget style. A cot will be in use for a long time so it is essential to choose one that suits the room of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs that can be matched to the furniture and interiors of your nursery that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a nice feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions tots and cots labelled parts.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, when you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.
If you select an item with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a cot with bars that are not properly separated, your child could become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
If you're purchasing an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, but If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. Many popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you keep using it after the infant stage. They cost more as they are required to support the weight of a child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby is developed.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is fully slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it does not then you'll have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots are equipped with additional features like teething rails. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes with a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed, by removing one side of the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will fit your space. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition a side it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. Once your child grows older, you can upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.