How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. best cot bed makes it an excellent addition to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it neat and tidy.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the solution. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like a baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features which can cause issues with the fit of a mattress, therefore it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
There are many retailers on the high street that offer an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's a great choice for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing difficulties and can also monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the habits of your infant.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions which means you can alter the height of your child's bed as they expand. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four. It has three mattress height settings, which will help you to reach your baby easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in a footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a firm flat mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used cot, make sure to verify the age of it. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Look for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child may rub their hands since this could cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that may peel off, posing the risk of choking your child.
Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. 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 also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that can be adjusted that allow you to use it for your growing baby.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping as they increase their mobility. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're planning to buy a new cot, then you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby, but don't forget about the style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs to match any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
best cot bed for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be transformed to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep during the day and night however it is essential to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a cot that has bars that are too closely spaced, your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of 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 majority of popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you keep using it after the infant stage. They cost more as they have to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features like a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help you save space and make your parenting experience easier. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be converted into a junior cot by the addition of a footboard. It comes in various sizes that will fit your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is an modular design that allows it to be adapted 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 into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.