What Experts In The Field Would Like You To Know
How to Choose the Best cots 4 tots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. It's also neat with a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip on the top rails.
If your baby is a fussy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It responds to their cry with soft sounds that mimic the womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to provide your baby with space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for infants up to three years old. Certain cots might have curving edges or other features that can affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to double check your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return the cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a better feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It is a great option for infants or babies with breathing problems and it can track their sleep cycles to help you understand the routines of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. The cot is minimalist and constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions, meaning you can customize the size of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings, that will allow you reach your child easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding the footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your cheap baby cots, however, they must be safe too. Choose a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to verify the date of purchase. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially along the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and create a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your baby grows.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the cot. You should choose a cot with at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing onto the cot when they become more mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to shield the mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in the safety and specifications. But don't forget the style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that will look great with any nursery furniture or interiors that you've selected for your baby's initial bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child reaches the age of five, when you can convert it to a toddler's bed by taking off a side. Our test subjects were awed by its sturdy design and smooth oval shape, but it might be a bit expensive for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night, but it's important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them with care to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. If you select a cot with bars that are too closely separated, your child could become trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the drop-side mechanism is safe and doesn't allow your child to lower it.
If you're buying a cot that converts into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the product description or on their website, but should you have any questions, it's worth speaking to the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for an extended period of time. The majority of popular cots can be converted into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These cost more because they are required to support the weight of a child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you plan to use them long after your baby is developed.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure it is in compliance with the 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 fully slatted and has no gaps in any of the sides. If it doesn't, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots come with additional features, such as storage drawers and rails for teething, which can help save space and make your parenting experience easier. Some cots are simple put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will fit your nursery. It has 3 adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to an infant cot bed bed by taking out the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of a side it can be transformed into the bed of a toddler. Once your child is older you can upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.