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 an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it tidy too.
This crib is the solution to soothe your fussy baby. It makes soothing sounds that mimic a mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for infants up to three years old. Some cots may have curving edges or other features that could affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore essential to check the mattress's footprint prior to purchasing.
best infant cribs can find cots at a wide range of 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 online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock 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 crib or cot. It's ideal for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also tracks their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's habits.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions which means you can alter the level of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth up until your child is four. It has three mattress height settings which allow you reach your baby easily, and can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding a footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
affordable cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby However, they must be secure. Look for a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are purchasing a second-hand crib, be sure to determine the age of the cot. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Look for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, since this could cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that could peel off, posing a choking risk to your baby.
Some cots have extra features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots to transform into an infant bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted which means you can use it for your growing child.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for the cot to have at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing up the cot when they become more mobile. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. It's typically around PS100 but it's well worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't overlook style. It is crucial to choose the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you have selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, when you can convert it to a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price could be a concern for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to rest both at night and during the day It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you choose a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the bar's top. The majority of cots and cots will have this information in the description of the product or on their website, but if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the seller to ensure.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use them beyond the infant stage. These are more expensive because they have to support the weight of an adult for a longer period, however they can be a great value for money if you intend to keep using them after your child is older.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you will make for your new baby, 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, make sure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are easy to put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or are worried 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 clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It can be converted into a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. Then it can be transformed into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents stated that it lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has an modular design that allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.