How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. cot beds for sale makes it a wonderful accessory 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 grumpy sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size is a compromise between providing your baby with space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most babies up to around three years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that can affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to check the cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return any cot that 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 looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or who have breathing issues and can also monitor their sleep patterns to aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your infant.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, comes with a removable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the height of your child's bed as they grow. It's also a great choice for smaller rooms or ceilings that slope, and our panel found it easy to construct.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable for use from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress options that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your baby's but they have to be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. Best cot for newborn should also have a firm flat mattress, and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used crib, be sure to check the age of the cot. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Examine for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands as this may cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and create a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots come with additional features like teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery tidy and also has three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is another important consideration. You should look for a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm, as this will prevent your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options available from foam and spring interiors to natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you may be interested in a mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when buying for a baby but don't forget about style. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it's crucial to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that are perfect for the furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot could be. Its under-bed storage drawer 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. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another alternative 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 as a cot from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, when it can be converted to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Its smooth oval finish and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however the cost may be a hindrance for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to sleep during the day and night It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, but should you have any questions you should speak to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use them beyond the infant stage. cheap cot bed are more expensive as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for money if you intend to use them until your child is older.
A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will have to purchase a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots also come with additional features, such as rails for teething, which can help reduce space and make your parenting life simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is ideal when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mum testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and images.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made a toddler bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will suit your room. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through 3 children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has an modular design that allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be converted into a toddler's bed. When your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to an adult bed. Our panel also chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.