Where To Research Best Cots Uk Online
How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
With its sleek minimalist design and warm oak finish, this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. A drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails keep it tidy too.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this smart crib could be the solution. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that mimic a mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the perfect size to allow your baby enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm x 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach around three years of age. Certain cots might have curves or other features that can impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to check the cot's footprint prior buying.
There are plenty of stores on the high street where you can check out a wide range of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer an exchange policy so that you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop online, as you can gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great choice. This cot monitors the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's sleep. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you better understand your child's routines.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent alternative. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their requirements. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to put together.
cribs , part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings, that will allow you to reach your child easily, and can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in the footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cots are vital for the nursery of your baby however, they must be safe. Look for a cot with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified to meet British safety standards. It should have a flat and firm mattress, and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not too old as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where children might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and create a choking hazard to your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and even a toothing rail. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's extremely simple to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots to transform into the toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted, so you can use it for your growing child.
The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep to prevent your child from climbing out as they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll need, since there are a myriad of options there from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to consider buying a cot protector to protect the mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring a professional to inspect the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. The cost of this service is about PS100, but it is worthwhile to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get caught up in the details of safety and specifications when shopping for a baby but remember to think about the style. It is essential to select the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic example of how stylish a cot could be. The drawer under the bed is a useful feature that made it a top pick with our panel. Likewise, 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 comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Another alternative for a stylish 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 right from birth until the time your child is five, at which point you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by taking off a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price might be a problem for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are not properly separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the mechanism for dropping is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, be sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which have an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, but should you have any questions it's a good idea to speak with the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
Some models are built to last for an extended period of time. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas, allowing you to use it well beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they are required to support a heavier child for longer. However, they are a great investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby has developed.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, make sure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to buy a separate mattress for your bed.
Some cots come with additional features like rails for teething. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit if you're short on time or are concerned about putting them together yourself. One of our mom test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the beautiful Boori cot, which is a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes to match your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed, by taking one side off the cot. Then, it can be converted into a junior cot using the addition of a footboard.
Mini Cot Bed 's also available in a range of sizes to suit your room, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is an open design that allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top choice for aesthetics, with our panel loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.