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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 with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this smart best crib could be the solution. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to allow your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK cot mattress size is 70cm by 140cm, that should be enough for babies between three and four years old. Certain cots might have curved edges or other features that could impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, so you can return a cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. It's also worth shopping on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you're looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. This cot will monitor 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 a restful sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep cycles to help you know your child's behavior.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has an easily removed panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. It also has an impressive range of mattress bases, meaning you can customize the height of your child's sleeping space as they grow. It's a great choice for bedrooms with small spaces or with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
Another budget-friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a variety of finishes, ranging from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings that will allow you to reach your child easily and it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and adding a footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of the nursery of your Baby beds's but they have to be safe as well. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint can contain lead that is toxic to babies. Check for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where a child might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to check for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and present a choking hazard to your baby.
Some cots come with additional features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. It's easy to put together and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs to convert into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery clean, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from escaping as they become more mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll require, as there are a variety of options out available from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying a new cot, then you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's well worth the investment to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when buying for a baby but don't forget about style. A cot is going to be used for a long time so it is essential to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds are available in a variety of styles and colours that will 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 could be. The drawer under the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is easy to assemble, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another alternative for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to 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 taking off a side. Its sleek oval design and quality construction impressed our testers, but the price tag may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose the model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lifted by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and effectively and cannot be easily lifted by your child.
If you're purchasing an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it meets UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on 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
It is possible that your cot to last a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. Many popular cheap cots can be turned into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to continue using it long after the baby stage. They tend to be more expensive as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your baby has grown.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Examine the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it is not, you will have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots are equipped with additional features such as rails for teething. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some cots are simple to put together, which is great when you're strapped for time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is an elegant design and comes with a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three children.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to build it into various configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side and then to a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.