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 wonderful addition to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails help keep it neat and tidy.
If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features which can cause issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is important to double-check the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
There are a lot of stores on the high street where you can check out an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues and can also monitor their sleep patterns, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
best cots for newborns is another great option. This minimalistic cot is made out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler 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 an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby's However, they must be safe. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that is toxic to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, particularly along the sides, where children might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any stickers or transfers because they can come off and create an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots come with extra features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots to transform into an infant bed. The cot also has an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean and also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from escaping as they grow more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're considering buying a new cot, then you might think about a cot mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. If you're buying a second-hand cot, it's worth getting an expert to check its safety and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100 however it's well worth it 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 style. It's important to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in a variety of colors and designs to complement the furniture and interiors of your nursery that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
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 as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, at which point you can transform it into a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. best cot newborn and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however the cost could be a concern for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to sleep during the day and night, but it's important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them with care to ensure your baby is snug and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds, but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. Most popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you keep using it after the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your baby is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Examine 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 is not, you will have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots also come with extra features such as rails for teething, which can help save space and make parenting experience simpler. Some cots are easy to put together, which is great if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. One of our mum test subjects gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made an infant bed by taking out the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that can be adapted to your room. nursery cots of our testers said hers lasted through 3 children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into the bed of a toddler. Once your child is older you can make the switch to a junior bed. Our panel also chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.