How to Choose the best Cots uk 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. It's also tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This smart crib could be the solution for your fussy baby. It makes soothing sounds that resemble a 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 by an enormous bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they reach three years of age. However, some cots feature curves or other features that could create problems with the fit of a mattress. Therefore, it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, which means you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can get a better idea 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 fantastic choice. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies with breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's habits.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the size of your child's bed as they increase in height. It's also a great option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope and our panel found it simple 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 the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress heights, that will allow you to reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and affordable cots are essential for the nursery of your baby However, they must be safe. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Examine any stickers or transfers that may be removed, posing a choking risk to your baby.
Some cheap cots have extra features like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots to convert into an infant bed. The cot also has an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from escaping when they begin to become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new best cot beds. If you're buying a secondhand cot, it's worth getting an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot but don't forget about the design. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib sets could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack, complete with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a bit expensive for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay both at night and during the day It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke, and you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently and isn't easily lifted by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information in the product description or on their website, but If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for a long time. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it well past the infant stage. These are more expensive because they have to support the weight of the larger child for a longer period of time, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to keep using them after your baby has grown.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is fully slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it does not then you'll have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots also come with extra features like a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help you reduce space and make your parenting life easier. Others are simple to assemble, which is perfect if you are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together yourself. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition a side it can be transformed into an infant's bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.