How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. It's also tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your fussy baby. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the perfect size to provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. However, some cots feature curving corners or other features that can cause issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
There are many shops on the high streets that offer an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for the best cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing problems and it can track their sleep cycles, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your baby.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features the ability to remove the panel and transform it into an infant bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress bases that allows you to alter the height of your child's bed as they grow. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or
Cots4tots.co.Uk 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 is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until your child is four. It has three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, but they must be safe too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Examine for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and present a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots have additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's simple to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. It is recommended to choose a cot with at least 50cm in depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're considering buying an entirely new cot, you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to protect against spills or stains. 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 service will cost you around PS100, but it is worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down in the details of safety and specifications when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about style. It's important to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that will look great with the furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that earned it high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, at which point it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish but it may be a bit costly for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to rest both at night and during the day, but it's important to go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you choose a cot with bars that are not properly separated, your child could be trapped or choke. You should also make sure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, be sure it complies with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the product description or on their website, but If you are concerned you should speak to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to accomplish that. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it well past the infant stage. These cost more because they have to support an overweight child for a longer time. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to keep them in use long after your baby is developed.
A cot is also one of the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's page to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to buy a separate bed mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features such as a storage drawer and rails for teething, which can help to reduce space and make life as a parent easier. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents reported that hers had lasted through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then it can be converted into a junior bed once your child is ready for it. It's also a top pick for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.