A How-To Guide For Best Cots Uk From Beginning To End

How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK

Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails keep it neat too.

This smart crib could be the solution for your baby who is a bit fussy. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble the sound of a mother's womb.

Size

A cot that is the right size is a compromise between giving your baby the space to grow, and not overwhelming the nursery with massive beds. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most babies until they reach three years old. Some cots could have curving edges or other features that may impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.

You can find cots at a variety of high-street stores such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can return the cot that doesn't meet your requirements. It's also a good idea to shop 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 the best cot, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, mimicking the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to assist your baby in achieving an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It's a great option for fussy newborns and babies who have breathing issues, and it can even track their sleep cycles and help you understand the habits of your little one.

Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. 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 of mattress bases, which means you can alter the height of your child's sleeping space to fit their needs. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.

The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and is suitable from birth until your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings which will help you reach your baby easily and it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and putting in a footboard. The crib has a mattress, and is FSC certified.

Safety

Cots and cots are crucial for your baby's nursery, but they must also be safe. Choose a cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. 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 buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint may contain lead, which is toxic to babies. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child may rub their hands since this could cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any transfer or stickers because they can come off and create a choking hazard to your child.

Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, 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 pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to transform into a toddler bed. The cot has a drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights, so you can make it suitable for your growing baby.

The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from climbing out when they begin to become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. You may also want to consider purchasing a cot cover to shield the mattress from spills and stains if you plan to purchase an entirely new cot. If you're buying a second-hand cot, it's worth getting 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 have peace of mind.

Style

When shopping for a child it's easy to be engrossed in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the style. A cot will be used for a long time so it's important to find one that suits your baby's room as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds are available in a variety of colors and designs that look great with any nursery furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.

The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The drawer under the bed was a feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this bed functional and stylish. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it is delivered flat, with easy instructions and clearly labeled parts.

Another alternative for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot which can  grow with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot, or until your child is five years of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Our testers were impressed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.

A cot is a safe place for your baby to rest throughout the day and at night It is important that you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too close together your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, you should also check that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently and cannot be easily lifted by your child.

You should also be sure that the cot you purchase is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information included in the product description or on their website, however if you have any concerns, it's worth speaking to the seller to confirm.

Convertibility

Some models are made to last for many years. The most well-known converts into toddler beds and even sofas that allow you to use them beyond the infant stage. They cost more as they have to support the weight of a child for longer. However they are a great investment if you plan to use them long after your baby has grown.

A cot is also one of the most crucial purchases you will make for your new arrival and it is essential to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps in all of the sides. If it isn't you'll have to buy a mattress separately.

small cot beds  are equipped with additional features such as rails for teething. These 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. One of our mom testers gave the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.

The Boori cot is a different option. It has a classic look and comes in a range of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made a toddler bed by removing the side, and then it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of an additional footboard. It comes in different sizes that can be adapted to your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through three kids.

Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It is a modular design which allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and then to a junior bed when your child is ready. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They were enthralled by the natural finish and the oval shape.