How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries with soft sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curves or other features that could create problems with the size of a mattress, so it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are many stores on the high street that offer a wide range of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can return the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better 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 the best cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking 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 ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you know your child's behavior.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their needs. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings and our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four. It comes with three mattress heights, which will help you to reach your baby easily, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be secure too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy 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 check the age of it. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that could be removed, posing an choking risk for your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like 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 the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is a further important factor to consider. It is recommended to choose an cot that has at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase a new cot. nursery cots 's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about the style. A cot is going to be used for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to construct, even though it comes in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy 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 from birth as a cot, or until your child turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its smooth oval finish and quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price could be a concern for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay both at night and during the day It is important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If nursery cots choose a model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily removed by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along 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, but should you have any questions you should speak to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. Many popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they must support the weight of a child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you intend to use them long after your baby is developed.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps at all sides. If it does not then you'll need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots have additional features such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a timeless 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 made a toddler bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your space. One of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.