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 accessory to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails will help keep it neat and tidy.
If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. 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 give your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. Some cots may have curving edges or other features that can alter the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. It's also worth shopping online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It's ideal for babies with breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot is made out of solid beech, and comes with a the ability to remove the panel and transform it into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's a great choice for small bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of your baby's nursery however, they must be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet 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 you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, particularly around the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that may peel off, posing an choking risk for your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots to convert into an infant bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that can be adjusted which means you can make it suitable for your growing baby.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot with at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You might also think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. If you're purchasing an older cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100 however it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget the design. It is crucial to choose the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to complement any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. older, at which point it can be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a bit expensive for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are not properly separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. You should also make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not let your child lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the description of the product for cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Certain models are designed to last for a long time. Many popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it long 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 offer excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your child is older.
best crib cots4totsuk to make sure that the cot you choose meets 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 completely slatted, and that there are no gaps in all of the sides. If it does not then you'll have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help you reduce space and make life as a parent easier. Some are simple to put together which is ideal if you are in a hurry or are worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance was rated by one of our mum testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic style and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and then it can be converted to 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 stated that hers had lasted through three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is ideal 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. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.