How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent addition to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This smart crib could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cry with soft sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the right size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for infants up to three years old. However, some cots come with curves or other features that can create problems with the fitting of a mattress, so it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
There are a lot of shops on the high streets where you can check out the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can return a cot that doesn't fit your requirements. 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 look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies with breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the height of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth up until your child is four. It comes with three mattress heights, which will help you to reach your child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and 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 to meet British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where children could rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and pose a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots have extra features such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's easy to assemble, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot also has an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. You should choose a cot with at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing up the cot as they become mobile. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are a variety of options out there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, you'll want to consult an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100, but it is well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't forget the design. A cot will be in use for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds are available in different colourways and designs that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to build even though it is in a flatpack, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
best cot newborn is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the functionality of being able grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, at which point you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed with its quality design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest during the day and night, but it's important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke, and it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently and isn't easily lifted by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds but you can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for a long time. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to keep using it after the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to use them until your child is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick is in compliance with 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's fully slatted and has no gaps in all of the sides. If it does not you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots also come with extra features like a storage drawer and teething rails that can help save space and make your life as a parent easier. Some are simple to put together and are ideal for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. One of our mom test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic design and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It comes in various sizes that can be adapted to your space. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for 3 children.
best cot newborn is another great alternative. It comes with an open design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms 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 picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.