How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a wonderful accessory to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that resemble the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for 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 double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will appear in your nursery.
If cots 4 tots are looking for a high-quality cot that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It's a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing problems, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns and help you understand the routines of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with a removable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions which means you can alter the level of your child's sleeping space as they increase in height. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and can be used from birth until the time your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that let you 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 is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cots are crucial for your baby's nursery however, they must be secure. Choose a cot that is marked 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 or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a used cot, make sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where children might rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may be removed, posing a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's easy to put together, and the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also said it was also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler bed. The cot also has an additional drawer that can help you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights, so you can use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is another important consideration. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from climbing out as they grow more mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots, including spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase an entirely new cot. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot but remember to think about style. It is essential to select the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cots are available in different colourways and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib can be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is flat-packed, and comes with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the practicality 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 but it may be a little too pricey 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 read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too tightly separated, your child could get trapped or choke. It is also important to be sure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.
You should also be sure 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 a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots will include this information in the product description or on their website, however if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it well beyond the infant stage. They are more expensive because they must support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby is developed.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new arrival, and it's vital to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page 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 then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots are equipped with additional features such as a drawer for storage or teething rails. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. One of our mom testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be converted to an infant bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It comes in different sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our test subjects said that her bed was able to last through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth and with the addition of an additional side, it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. Once your child reaches an older age, you can upgrade to the junior bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.