15 Startling Facts About Best Cots Uk That You Never Knew
How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it neat too.
If your child is a grumpy sleeper, this smart crib might be the solution. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby room to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm by 140cm, which should accommodate most babies between three and four years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features which can result in issues with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is important to double-check the footprint of your cot prior to making a purchase.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Some also have a return policy, which means you can return a cot if it isn't what you want. You can also get a better feel of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to your baby's cries and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving a restful sleep, and it can be used with any crib or cot. It is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing problems and it can monitor their sleep patterns to aid in understanding the sleep patterns of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great option. This minimalist cot is constructed of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress bases which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
best crib for newborn -friendly cot is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey and can be used from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding an additional footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, ensure it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly on the sides, where a child could rub their hands. This could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers as these can peel off and present a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots have extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both fashionable and practical. "It's very easy to put together, and has all the pieces labeled alphabetically," she said, noting that it's one of the easiest cots to convert into an infant bed. The cot comes with an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also has three adjustable heights, so you can use it for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is a further important aspect to consider. You should choose the cot to have a minimum depth of 50cm because this will stop your child from climbing the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses, including foam, spring interiors, or natural materials if you suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from spills and stains in the event that you decide to purchase a brand new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to examine the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100 however it's well worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child, it's easy to become engrossed in safety and specs. But don't forget the design. It's important to choose a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Luckily, many cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that are perfect for any 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. The storage drawer in the under-bed was a nice feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it comes flat-packed, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic, functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the practicality of being able to grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot from birth or until your child is five, after which you can transform it into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our test subjects were awed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish but it may be a bit costly for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to sleep during the day and night, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are not properly separated, your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you're purchasing a cot that can be converted into a mattress, be sure it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. This information is usually found in the product description of the cot or bed, but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time and some models are designed to do just that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it well beyond the infant stage. They tend to be more expensive due to the fact that they must support the weight of a larger child for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to keep using them after your baby has grown.
A cot is also among the most important purchases you'll make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure it meets strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it does not, you will need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots come with additional features like a storage drawer or rails for teething. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some are simple to put together which is ideal if you are short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. One of our mum testers rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic design and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be converted to an infant bed by taking out the side, and later to a junior bed by the addition of an additional footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers said 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 suitable for use from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be converted into the bed of a toddler. If your child grows older, you can make the switch to an adult bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.