How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it neat and tidy.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size balances providing your baby with space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK cot size is 70cm x 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most babies until they reach three years old. However, some cots come with curving corners or other features that can create problems with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you purchase.
There are many retailers on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return the cot if it does not meet your needs. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is a great option for infants or babies with breathing difficulties, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the routines of your infant.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features an easily removed panel that can be transformed into a bed for toddlers. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings, which allow you to reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
best crib and cot beds are a crucial element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be secure too. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to determine the age of the cot. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child could rub their hands. best crib could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and present the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots have extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also comes with an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for the cot to have at least 50cm of depth, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot you might also think about a cot mattress protector to safeguard against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100 however it's worthwhile for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the style. It is essential to select the right cot for the nursery of your baby and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to put together even though it is in a flatpack with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, when you can convert it into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our testers were impressed with its quality construction and smooth oval finish however, it could be a bit costly for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to rest both at night and during the day however it is essential that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them closely to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you select a cot with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively and isn't easily lowered by your child.
If you're buying an cot that converts to 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 bar's top. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the product description or on their website, however should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for many years. Most popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. best infant cribs cost more as they have to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to keep them in use long after your baby has developed.
A cot is among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby It is crucial 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, make sure the base is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it does not then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots are equipped with extra features, such as a storage drawer or teething rails. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. One of our mom testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which has an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents stated that hers had lasted through three kids.
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 babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.