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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's also neat by having a drawer and a handy anti bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart best crib for newborn might be the solution. It responds to their cries with soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.
Size
A good cot is the ideal size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to accommodate most infants until they are around three years of age. Certain cots might have curved edges or other features that can impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore important to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are many stores on the high street where you can browse an array of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot, and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you are looking for a high-quality cot, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be used in any crib or cot. It is ideal for babies who suffer from breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's habits.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalist cot is constructed out of solid beech, and comes with a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's sleeping space as they expand. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It is available in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress heights, which allow you to reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in an additional footboard. The cot includes a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential part of your baby's nursery but they must be safe as well. Look for a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Check for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children may rub their hands as this may cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and pose a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots have extra features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both stylish and practical. 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 convert into a toddler bed. It also comes with an optional drawer that helps you keep the nursery tidy and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping when they start to become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll need, since there are a variety of options out available from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You might also consider purchasing a cot cover to protect the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. It's a good idea to hire an expert to examine the safety of a used cot and fix any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth it to have peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot sales but don't forget about the style. It is essential to select the cot that is in keeping with the nursery of your baby and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that are perfect for any nursery furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed was a nice feature that helped it earn high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed functional and fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was easy to build, even though it comes in a flatpack, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child is five, at which point it can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however the cost could be a concern for some.
If you select the model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you choose a model with bars that are too closely separated, your child could get 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 you buy is compliant with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and cots 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 seller to confirm.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last a long time and some models are designed to accomplish that. Most popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to continue using it well beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more because they have to support the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for money if you intend to use them until your baby has grown.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's website to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it isn't you'll have to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots also come with extra features like rails for teething, which can help reduce space and make parenting life simpler. Some best cots for newborns are simple to put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or are worried about putting them together. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mom testers as being the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which comes with an elegant design and comes with a variety of finishes to match your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by taking out the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents stated that hers lasted through three children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The Mini Cot Bed model is ideal from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel also picked it due to its design. They were enthralled by the natural finish and oval shape.