How to Choose the Best 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 a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails will help keep it tidy too.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble the sound of a baby's womb.
Size
A good cot is the right size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they are around three years of age. However, some cots have curving corners or other features that could create problems with the fitting of a mattress, so it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return any cot that isn't what you want. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues and can also monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the routines of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress bases that allows you to alter the level of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth up 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 can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for the nursery of your baby's However, they must be safe. Choose a cot that is certified to meet the British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint could contain lead which is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly on the sides, where children may rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that might be removed, posing a choking risk to your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as 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 simple to put together and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. cots and tots has three adjustable heights, so you can use it for your growing baby.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should choose an cot that has at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become mobile. It is also important to consider the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out available from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you might think about a cot mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. 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 will cost you about PS100, but it is worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down on safety and spec when buying for a baby but remember to think about the design. A cot is going to be used for a long period of time, so it is essential to choose one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs that can be matched to any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. cots and tots appreciated that the cot was simple to construct even though it is in a flatpack, complete with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, at which point you can transform it into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its smooth oval finish and quality construction impressed our test subjects, but the price tag might be a problem for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to sleep during the day and night however it is essential that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you choose a model that has bars that are not properly spaced, your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you're purchasing an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will have this information in the product description or on their website, however if you have any concerns you should speak to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you keep using it after the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for money if you intend to keep using them after your baby is older.
A cot is among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, make sure the base is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it does not, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features such as rails for teething, which can help reduce space and make your parenting experience easier. Others are easy to assemble and are ideal when you're in a hurry or are worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one our mom testers as being the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and images.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic look and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. cots offers can then be converted into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It is available in various sizes that will fit your room. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for 3 children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be converted into a toddler's bed. When your child is older you can upgrade to the junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.