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 its top rails keep it neat too.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. best crib newborn responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A good cot size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features that could result in issues with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are a lot of retailers on the high street where you can browse an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. You can also get a better feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're in search of a top-quality crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. 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 a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues and can also track their sleep cycles, which will aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It comes with a variety mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a variety 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 will allow you to easily reach your baby. cribs beds can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking the side panels off and adding the footboard. The crib includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of the nursery of your baby's but they must be safe too. Choose a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're purchasing a used crib, be sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Examine for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause skin irritation. Examine any stickers or transfers that may fall off, creating a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots have extra features like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. " cot bed sales 's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the most simple cots to convert into a toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted, so you can use it for your growing child.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth in order to stop your child from climbing out when they begin to grow more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials If you have allergies. You might also consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing a secondhand cot, it's worth getting an expert to evaluate the safety of the cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget the style. It is crucial to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in various colors and designs to complement any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which helped it score high marks on our panel, and teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to construct even though it is in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. older, at which point it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and quality construction impressed our test subjects however the cost might be a problem for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to rest during the day and night however it is essential that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. 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 smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child.
If you are buying a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the description of the product for the cot or bed, but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last a long time, and some models are designed to do just that. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it well beyond the baby stage. They are more expensive because they have to support the weight of a child for a longer time. However, they are a great investment if you intend to use them long after your baby has developed.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features like storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help to save space and make your life as a parent simpler. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal for those who are short on time or worried about putting it together. One of our mum testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another alternative. It has a classic design and comes in a range of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents said it lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. Once your child grows older, you can then upgrade to the junior bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.