How to Choose the
Best cots uk Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails keep it tidy too.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It responds with soothing sounds that resemble a baby's womb.
Size
A good cot size balances providing your baby with space to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery by a huge bed. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most babies until they are around three years of age. However, some cots feature curves or other features that can cause issues with the fit of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many also offer a returns policy, so you can return the 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
mini cot beds and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating 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 with breathing difficulties and it can monitor their sleep patterns and aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. This minimalistic cot, made from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety of mattresses, so you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping space to fit their needs. It's an excellent choice for small bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding a footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of your baby's nursery however, they must be secure too. Look for a cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Check for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Also, make sure to look for any transfer or stickers since they could peel off and create a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots have additional features, like teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's really easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots available to transform into the toddler bed. The cot comes with a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also has three heights that are adjustable, so you can make it suitable for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is an additional important aspect to consider. It is recommended to choose an cot that has at least 50cm of depth to prevent your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy an entirely new cot, you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to guard against spills or stains. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring an expert to evaluate its safety and repair any damage. This will cost you about PS100 however it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. However, don't forget about the design. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that helped it score high marks with our panel, while teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make the cot bed as practical as it is stylish. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for an elegant cot is the 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 right from birth or until your child is five, after which you can transform it into a toddler's bed by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval finish and sturdy construction impressed our testers however the cost could be a concern for some.
If you select a model with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a
cot for sale with bars that are too closely spaced, your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also be sure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
You should also be sure that the
cot bed sales you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds, but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are designed to accomplish that. Many popular cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This lets you continue using it long after the baby stage. These cost more because they are required to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you plan to keep them in use long after your baby has grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it is not, you will have to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots are also equipped with extra features like storage drawers and teething rails that can help save space and make your parenting life simpler. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great if you're short on time or you're worried about putting them together by yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mom testers as being the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes to suit your nursery.