Best Cots Uk 101: A Complete Guide For Beginners
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 an excellent addition to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This smart crib could be the solution for your baby who is a bit fussy. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the right size to provide your baby with space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that could alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are plenty of retailers on the high street where you can browse an array of cots. Some include Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can return a cot that doesn't fit your needs. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to an unwinding sleep, cots4Tots.co.uk and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great option for infants or babies who have breathing issues and it can monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the routines of your infant.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to meet their needs. It's an excellent choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to set up.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until the time 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 FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe as well. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint can contain lead that is toxic to babies. Look for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, since this could cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers because they can come off and pose an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots to convert into the toddler bed. The cot also has an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. But don't forget the style. A cot is going to be used for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that matches the room of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to complement any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to construct and was delivered in a flatpack, with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the practicality of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child is five, after which it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval finish but it may be a bit costly for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close together your child could be trapped or choke. You should also ensure that 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 too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently and isn't easily removed by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for the cot or bed, however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for a long time. Most popular cots can be converted into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This allows you to keep using it after the infant stage. These cost more because they are required to support an overweight child for longer. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby is grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it isn't, you will need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots come with extra features, such as a storage drawer or teething rails. These can save space and simplify the lives of 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 by yourself. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which has a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot using the addition a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your space. One of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition a side it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. Once your child grows older, you can then upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.