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How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
With its sleek, minimalist design and warm oak finish this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. It's also tidy by having a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds to their cries by making soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to accommodate most babies until they reach around three years of age. Some cots could have curves or other features that could alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are cots available at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, so you can return any cot that does not meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot monitors your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology can help your baby get a great night's rest. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep cycles to help you better understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler bed. It has a range of mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their needs. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and is suitable for use from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings, which will help you to easily reach your baby, and can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery but they have to be safe too. Find a cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child might rub their hands, as this may cause skin irritation. Also, be sure to check for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and create a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots on the market to convert into the toddler bed. The cot has an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three adjustable heights which means you can make it suitable for your growing child.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out when they begin to increase their mobility. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out available, including foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills when you are planning to purchase a brand new cot. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, it's worth getting a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the style. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it's crucial to choose one that matches the room of your baby and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that are perfect for any furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a nice feature that earned it high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
cot for sale Cots 4 Tots for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years old. old, when it can be transformed to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our testers however, the price might be a problem for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay during the day and night, but it's important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. you must also ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the product description of cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.
Convertibility
It is possible that 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 it well beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of a larger child for a longer time, 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 choose meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't, you will have to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with additional features like rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are simple to assemble which is ideal if you are short on time or worried about putting it all together yourself. One of our mum testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to fit your room, and one of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be expanded into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth and with the addition of a side it can be converted into a toddler's bed. When your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to a junior bed. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.