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 addition to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails help keep it neat too.
This crib with smart technology could be the solution for your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic a baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features that could create problems with the size of a mattress, therefore it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
There are many shops on the high streets where you can check out an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. You can also get a better idea about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. best crib newborn is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has a removable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the size of your child's bed as they increase in height. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, which allow you to easily reach your baby and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery but they have to be safe too. Choose an cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Check for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that may peel off, posing an choking risk for your baby.
Some cots have extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. cot bed sales of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots available to convert into an infant bed. The cot also has an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is another important consideration. It is recommended to choose a cot with at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of mattress you'll need, since there are many choices out available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase an entirely new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100 however it's worthwhile for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget the design. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that look great with any furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, when it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a bit expensive for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots 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
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 turned into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to keep using it after the baby stage. They are more expensive because they are required to support the weight of a child for a longer time. However they are a great investment if you intend to use them long after your baby is developed.
It's important to make sure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is fully slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't then you'll have to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help save space and make your life as a parent simpler. Some are simple to put together which is ideal when you're short on time or worried about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and images.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless style and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with an modular design that allows it to be adapted into different configurations. cribs beds 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 for it. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.