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 neat and tidy.
This crib is the answer for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. Some cots may have curving edges or other features that may impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to verify your mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you know your child's behavior.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It has a range of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's also a good option for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, and our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings which will help you to reach your child easily, and can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding a footboard. The cot is also 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 certified to meet British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to check the age of the cot. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where children might rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might peel off, posing the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots come with additional features, such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots on the market to convert into the toddler bed. The cot has an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted which means you can use it to accommodate your growing baby.
The depth of the cot is an additional important aspect to consider. It is recommended to choose an cot that has at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. If you're considering buying an entirely new cot, you may want to consider a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's well worth the investment 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 remember to think about style. It's important to choose a cot that matches the nursery of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in various colors and designs that can be matched to any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
best cot newborn is a wonderful example of how stylish a cot could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that can grow with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. old, when it can be transformed to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however the cost could be a concern 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 efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates 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, be sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, but If you are concerned, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for many years. The majority of popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you keep using it after the infant stage. They are more expensive because they have to support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you plan to use them for a long time after your baby is developed.
It's important to make sure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure best cots for newborns is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it does not, you will have to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots have additional features such as rails for teething. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is great in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together and comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot by the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has an modular design that allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be converted into an infant's bed. Once your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to an adult bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.