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 as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on its top ranked cribs rails help keep it neat and tidy.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds with soft sounds that sound like the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow and not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that can result in issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is important to double-check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you are seeking a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock 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 cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions which means you can alter the size of your child's sleeping area as they increase in height. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to put together.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings that will allow you to reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe too. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint is toxic for babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where children might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers as these can peel off and create a choking hazard to your child.
Certain cheap cots are equipped with extra features such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to assemble and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights which means you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose an cot that has a minimum depth of 50cm, as this will prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100 however it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby but don't forget about the design. A cot will be in use for a long time so it's important to find one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Many best cots for newborns and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a nice feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and stylish. The cot is simple to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close together, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a cot with bars that are not properly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. You should also be sure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top ranked cribs of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for the cot or bed, but you can also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it past the best infant cribs stage. These tend to cost more because they have to support the weight of a larger child for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for money if you intend to keep using them after your baby has grown.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and check that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots have additional features like a drawer for storage or teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some are simple to put together and are ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. One of our mom testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless style and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It comes in various sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.