10 Ways To Build Your Best Cots Uk Empire
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. It is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
This crib is the solution for your fussy baby. It is able to respond with soothing sounds that resemble a baby's womb.
Size
A cot that is of high quality is the perfect size to allow your baby space to grow without weighing down the nursery. The standard UK cot size is 70cm by 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they reach around three years of age. However, some cots have curving corners or other features that can result in issues with the fit of a mattress, so it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you buy.
There are cots available at a variety of high-street stores including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. You can also get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're in search of a top-quality cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to help your baby achieve an unwinding sleep, and it can be used with any cot or crib. It is ideal for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This cot that is minimalistic, made of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It also has an impressive variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the level of your child's sleeping area as they expand. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It's available in a range of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It has three mattress height settings that will allow you to easily reach your baby and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding the footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe as well. Find a cot that is certified to meet British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat, firm mattress and shouldn't be stuffed with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you are buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly along the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers since they could peel off and pose a choking hazard to your baby.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects 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 also noted that it's also one of the most simple cribs that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot 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 baby grows.
The depth of the cot is an additional important aspect to consider. Choose a cot which is at a minimum 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out when they start to grow more mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots that include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you might also think about a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. It's usually about PS100 but it's worth it for peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child, it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about style. A cot will be used for a long time so it's crucial to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. Numerous cots and beds are available in different colours and designs to complement any furniture and interiors that you choose for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib can 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 make this bed functional and stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to build, even though it comes 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 grow with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child is five, after which you can transform it to a toddler's bed by removing a side. Our test subjects were awed by its high-quality construction and smooth oval finish, but it might be a bit costly for some.
If you choose a model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates well and efficiently, and can't be easily dropped by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close the baby could get trapped or choke. you must also ensure that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently and isn't easily removed by your child.
It is also important to ensure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip across the top of the bars. This information is typically included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
cot sales may want your cot to last a long time, and certain models are made to do that. The majority of popular cots can be transformed 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 the larger child for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for money if you intend to use them until your child is older.
A cot is among 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 make sure that it has a base that is completely slatted, and that there are no gaps on all sides. If it doesn't, you will have to purchase a new mattress for your bed.
Some cots have additional features like teething rails. They can save space and simplify the lives of parents. Some are simple to put together and are ideal if you are in a hurry or are worried about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mom testers as the'most simple flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a timeless style and comes in a range of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable mattress heights and can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents reported that it lasted for three kids.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has a modular design which allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth, and then transforms 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. Our panel chose it due to its design. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.