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 a great addition to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails will help keep it tidy too.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your fussy baby. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble a mother's womb.
Size
A good cot size balances giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm which is enough for most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots have curved corners or other features that can create problems with the fitting of a mattress. Therefore, it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are many shops on the high streets where you can browse the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return a cot if it does not meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop 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're looking for the best crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a good night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It is a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties and can also track their sleep cycles to help you understand the habits of your infant.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the size of your child's sleeping area as they expand. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings Our panel found it simple to assemble.
cheap cot bed that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that let you 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 cots are vital for the nursery of your baby, but they must also be safe. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to check the age of the cot. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and pose the risk of choking your child.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots to transform into an infant bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that are adjustable, so you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. You should choose a cot with at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing up the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're considering buying a new cot you might also be interested in a mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the design. A cot is going to be used for a long period of time, so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed was a nice feature that made it a winner for high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and stylish. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, after which you can transform it into a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Our test subjects were awed by its quality design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a little too pricey 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 functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the drop-side mechanism is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites across the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the product description of 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. Most popular cots can be transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it long after the infant stage. They are more expensive because they have to support a heavier child for a longer time. However they are a great investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby is grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it does not then you'll need to buy a separate 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 parenting life easier. Some are simple to put together and are 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 our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It comes in various sizes that will suit your space. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is a modular design which allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into an infant's bed. If your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to a junior bed. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. cot beds for sale were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.