How to Choose the Best Cots (
Www.Cots4Tots.Co.Uk) in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a wonderful accessory to any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this crib might be the answer. It makes soothing sounds that mimic the mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is the right size balances giving your baby room to grow, and not overcrowding the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, that should be enough for babies between three and four years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that could cause issues with the size of a mattress, so it is important to check the dimensions of your cot before you buy.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can return the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a better feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for a cot that is of high-quality one of the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a fantastic choice. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It is a great option for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns and help you understand the routines of your infant.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another great alternative. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, comes with a removable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It comes with a variety mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel was also easy to set up.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is 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 comes with three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be converted into a toddler bed by taking the side panels off and adding a footboard. The crib comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery but they have to be safe too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, be sure that it's not overly old, as paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Look for signs of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers because they can come off and present a choking hazard to your child.
Some cots come with additional features like teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. It's simple to put together, and all the pieces are alphabetized," she said. She added that it was also one of the most simple cribs to transform into a toddler bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer to help keep the nursery organized, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your child grows.
The depth of the cot is another important consideration. You should choose a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing up the cot as they become mobile. It is also worth considering the type of cot mattress you'll need, as there are many choices out available from foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also advisable to think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase a new cot. It's a good idea to hire a professional to inspect the safety of a used cot and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100 however it's well worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When shopping for a child, it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't overlook the style. It is essential to select the right cot for your baby's nursery and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in different colours and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. The drawer under the bed was a nice feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and fashionable. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to construct even though it is in a flatpack, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child turns five years old. of age, at which point it could be transformed into a toddler bed by the removal of a side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval finish but it may be a bit costly for some.
A cot is a safe and secure place for your baby to lay during the day and night, but it's important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them carefully to ensure your baby stays comfortable and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. you should also check that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently and isn't easily removed by your child.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, which is usually BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds but you may also check the website of the seller.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to do just that. The most popular models convert into toddler beds and even sofas, allowing you to use it well past the infant stage. These cost more because they must support a heavier child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you intend to keep them in use long after your baby has grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose meets 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's completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it does not then you'll have to purchase a new bed mattress.
Some cots come with extra features, such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. One of our mom test subjects 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 comes with an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and then into a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It is available in different sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for 3 children.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model can be used from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into an infant's bed. If your child reaches an older age, you can then upgrade to an adult bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.