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 an excellent addition to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most infants up to three years old. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that can impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit your needs. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're seeking a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot can 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 good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their needs. online cots 's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It comes in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth up until your child is four. It has three mattress heights, which will help you to easily reach your baby, and can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery but they must be safe too. Choose a cot that has been certified to meet British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is harmful to babies. Look for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that might fall off, creating an choking risk for your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like storage drawers and teething rails. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's simple to put together and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. online cots said it was also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot comes with a drawer 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 for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is another important aspect to consider. You should look for the cot to have at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing onto the cot when they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying an older cot, you should consider hiring an expert to check its safety 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
It can be easy to get caught up on safety and spec when shopping for a baby but remember to think about style. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in different colourways and designs that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, 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 right from birth until the time your child is five, after which you can convert it into a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our test subjects were awed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval finish but it may be a bit expensive for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too closely spaced, your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also make sure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. cots 4 tots is usually found in the product description of the cot or bed, but you can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last a long time, and some models are made to do that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use them beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to use them until your baby is older.
It is crucial to ensure 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 that the base is slatted completely with no gaps at all sides. If it isn't you'll have to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features such as a storage drawer and teething rails, which can help save space and make your parenting experience easier. Others are easy to assemble which is ideal if you are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together yourself. One of our mom test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by removing one side of the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to fit your space, and one of our test parents stated that hers had lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has an modular design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is ideal for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and then into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel also picked it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.