Best Cots Uk Tips From The Best In The Industry
How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
With its sleek minimalist design and warm oak finish this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.
This crib is the answer for your fussy baby. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A good cot is the perfect size to give your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for babies between three and four years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that can impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to check the cot's footprint prior buying.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot can monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby to get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's a great choice for infants or babies with breathing problems and it can track their sleep cycles and help you understand the habits of your infant.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features a removable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope Our panel found it simple to assemble.
Another cot 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 can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings, which allow you easily reach your baby and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are purchasing a second-hand crib, be sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly on the sides, where children could rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers as these can peel off and pose a choking hazard to your Baby Cot Bed.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's really easy to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots to convert into an infant bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights which means you can make it suitable for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from escaping when they begin to become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're considering buying a new cot you might want to consider a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100, but it is worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot but don't forget about style. A cot is going to be used for a long period of time, so it is essential to choose one that suits your baby's room and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that will look great with the furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot can be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to put together even though it is in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can transform it into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed by its quality design and smooth oval shape however, it could be a little too pricey for some.
A cot for sale is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night, but it's important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you select a cot that has bars that are not properly separated, your child could become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, however should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for a long time. The majority of popular cots can be converted into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it long after the baby stage. They cost more as they must support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby is developed.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and has no gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't, you will have to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make parenting life simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mom testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and images.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents stated that hers had lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with an modular design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. If your child grows older, you can then upgrade to a junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.