How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails keep it neat and tidy.
If your child is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A good cot is the ideal size to give your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most infants until they reach three years of age. However, some cots feature curves or other features that could result in issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can return the cot that doesn't meet your needs. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding 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. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's a great option for infants or babies who have breathing issues, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your infant.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalist cot is constructed of solid beech and has a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the height of your child's bed as they increase in height. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe as well. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where children might rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that might fall off, creating an choking risk for your baby.
Some cots come with additional features like teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. It's easy to assemble and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights, so you can make it suitable for your growing baby.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should look for an cot that has a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. You may also want to think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. If you're buying an older cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot but don't forget about style. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that suits your baby's room 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 that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to put together, even though it comes in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another alternative for a stylish 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. older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed with its high-quality construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep both at night and during the day, but it's important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you choose a cot with bars that are too closely separated, your child could get trapped or choke. It is also important to be sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, ensure that it is compliant with UK safety standards. cot for sale are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, but If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. Many popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However, they are a great investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby has developed.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it isn't you'll have to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots come with extra features, such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together. One of our mom test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic design and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed, by removing one side of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for 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 can be used from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. If your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to a junior bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.