How to Choose the Best Cots Uk Cots in the UK
With its sleek minimalist design and warm oak finish, this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with an enormous bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to fit most babies until they reach three years old. However, some cots have curved corners or other features that could result in issues with the fitting of a mattress, so it is important to double-check your cot's footprint before you purchase.
There are plenty of stores on the high street that offer the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can return the cot that doesn't meet your needs. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch crib, consider the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you know your child's behavior.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions, meaning you can customize the height of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available 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 height settings, which will help you easily reach your baby and can be turned into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery however, 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 should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers that aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to check the age of it. 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 could rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any stickers or transfers as these can peel off and create a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots come with extra features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's simple to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three heights that can be adjusted, so you can make it suitable for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is a further important consideration. You should look for an cot that has a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing up the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100 however it's worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the design. A cot will be used for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that is suitable for the room of your baby and your decor. Numerous 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.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot could be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the benefit of being able to 'grow with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child is five, after which it can be converted into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our testers were impressed by its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish however, it could be a little too pricey for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest both at night and during the day however it is essential that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays safe and comfortable. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. you must also ensure that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently and isn't easily lifted by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, however If you are concerned you should speak to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it past the infant stage. These are more expensive because they have to support the weight of the larger child for a longer time, but they can provide excellent value for the money if you plan to use them until your baby is older.
A cot is among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots have additional features such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit when you're strapped for time or are concerned about putting them together. One of our mom test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic look and comes in a range of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed, by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will fit your space. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through 3 children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be transformed into a toddler's bed. If your child is older you can make the switch to an adult bed. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.