How to Choose the best cots (click through the up coming document) in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with massive cribs beds. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots come with curves or other features that could create problems with the fitting of a mattress, so it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can exchange a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, 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 the best crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has a removable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their needs. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until your child is four. It has three mattress options that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be secure too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint can be toxic for babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and pose an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into an infant bed. The cot also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy, and has 3 adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot with at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing up the cot when they become more mobile. There are many options for cot mattresses which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's well worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when purchasing a baby's cot sale but remember to think about style. It is essential to select the right cot for the nursery of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to complement the furniture and interiors of your nursery you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the 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 right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, after which you can transform it to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers however the cost may be a hindrance for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay during the day and night however it is essential to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them closely to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close the Baby Crib could get trapped or choke, and you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily removed by your child.
If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the bar's top. The majority of cots and beds will include this information in the product description or on their website, but if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time, and some models are made to do that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it past the infant stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer time, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your baby has grown.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you will make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots come with extra features such as a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help save space and make your life as a parent easier. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together by yourself. One of our mom test subjects gave 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 comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It is available in different sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The Mini Cot Bed model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and it can be converted it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. Our panel chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.