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How to Choose the Best Cots Uk Cots in the UK
With its sleek minimalist design and warm oak finish this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. It is also kept tidy by having a drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib is the solution for your fussy baby. It makes soothing sounds that resemble the sound of a womb.
Size
A good cot is the ideal size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm x 140cm, which is enough for most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots have curving corners or other features which can create problems with the fit of a mattress, so it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
There are a lot of stores on the high street where you can check out the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can return a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for the best cot beds 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 to get a good night's sleep. It can be placed in any crib or cot. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. 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 range of finishes 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 to reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The cot includes 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 has the code BS EN 716. It should also have a solid flat mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended cribs by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're purchasing a used cot, make sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint is harmful to babies. Look for indications that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where a child may rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Check for any stickers and transfers that could fall off, creating the risk of choking your baby.
Some cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's easy to put together, and all 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 has an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights, so you can make it suitable for your growing child.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm, as this will prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become mobile. There are a variety of options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. But don't forget the design. A cot will be used for a long time so it is essential to choose one that suits the room of your baby and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to complement any furniture tots and cots interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great example of how stylish a cot can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was easy to put together and was delivered in a flatpack, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that is able to grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed by its sturdy construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a bit expensive for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to sleep throughout the day and at night It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you select a model with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works smoothly and effectively, and can't be easily lifted by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is compliant with 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 along the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, however should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
You might want your cheap cot beds to last for a long time, and certain models are made to do that. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use them beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of the larger child for a longer time, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to keep using them after your baby has grown.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on all sides. If it does not then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots come with additional features such as rails for teething. These can save space and make life easier for parents. Some are simple to put together which is ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents stated that hers lasted through 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 is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of the side, it could be transformed into the bed of a toddler. If your child reaches an older age, you can make the switch to the junior bed. Our panel chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.