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. It is also kept tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It makes soothing sounds that mimic the sound of a baby's womb.
Size
A good cot is the perfect size to provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that can result in issues with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any best crib for newborn or cot. It's a great option for infants or babies with breathing problems and it can track their sleep cycles to help you understand the routines of your infant.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has a removable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's available in a range of finishes, 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 allow you to 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 also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby's However, they must be secure. Choose a cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is toxic to babies. Look for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers because they can come off and create the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots have 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 extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots on the market to convert into the toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer to 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 another important consideration. You should look for a cot with at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing up the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you may want to consider a cot mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. If you're purchasing an older cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the style. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it's crucial to choose one that suits the room of your baby and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cots are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with any furniture or interiors that you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top ranked cribs marks with our panel. Likewise, 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 simple to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple 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 old, when it can be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke, and you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively, and can't be easily removed by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, however if you have any concerns you should speak to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for many years. Most popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it long after the baby stage. They cost more as they must support a heavier child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby is developed.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you will make for your new arrival It is crucial to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps on all sides. If it is not then you'll have to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with extra features, such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots and tots are simple put together, which is great in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a classic design and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of a footboard. It comes in various sizes that will suit your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition the side, it could be transformed into an infant's bed. If your child is older you can upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.