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 a great accessory to any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the right size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. However, some cots have curves or other features that can cause issues with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
There are a lot of retailers on the high street where you can check out the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can return the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, check out 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 aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great choice for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing problems and it can monitor their sleep patterns, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to meet their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it simple to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings, that will allow you reach your baby easily and it can be transformed 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 cots are vital for your baby's nursery However, they must be safe. Look for a cot with 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 that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is harmful to babies. Check for signs that the cot has been used, especially on the sides, where children could rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might fall off, creating a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with additional features like teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots on the market to transform into an infant bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping when they start to grow more mobile. There are infant cot bed for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're planning to buy a new cot you may think about a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. But don't forget style. It is essential to select the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds are available in a variety of styles and colours that look great with any furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years old. of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed with its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish but it may be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night however it is essential that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently and isn't easily removed by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the product description or on their website, however If you are concerned you should speak to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for an extended period of time. Many popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you keep using it after the baby stage. These tend to cost more because they have to support the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, however they can be a great value for the money if you plan to continue using them once your child is older.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps at all sides. If it does not, you will have to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with additional features like a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble, which is perfect if you are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one of our mum testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and is available with a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will fit your room. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into the bed of a toddler. If your child is older you can make the switch to the junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.