10 Best Cots Uk That Are Unexpected
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 cots. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails help keep it neat too.
This crib with smart technology could be the answer for your child who is fussy. It is able to respond with soft sounds that sound like the sound of a mother's womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child 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 old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that may impact the size of a mattress. It is therefore crucial to check the cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
There are a lot of retailers on the high street where you can check out an array of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your requirements. You can also get a better feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping online.
If you're looking for the best infant cribs cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies who suffer from breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's habits.
Another alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It also comes with an impressive variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the height of your child's bed as they expand. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings Our panel found it simple to assemble.
The Elementary cot, which is part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress settings that let you easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of the nursery cots of your baby's but they must be safe as well. Choose a cot that is certified to comply with British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If buying a secondhand cot, ensure it's not too old since paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, particularly on the sides, where a child might rub their hands. This can cause skin irritation. Also, make sure to look for any transfers or stickers as these can peel off and pose an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers was particularly impressed by this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's really easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the most simple cots to transform into the toddler bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. 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 another important aspect to consider. Look for a cot that is at a minimum 50cm deep to prevent your child from escaping when they begin to increase their mobility. There are a myriad of options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam or natural materials If you have allergies. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a cot cover to protect your mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a brand new cot. If you're buying an older cot, you'll want to consult an expert to evaluate the safety of the 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 you're shopping for a baby it's easy to get caught up in safety and specs. But don't forget the style. A cot will be used for a long period of time, so it's crucial to choose one that matches your baby's room and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in different colourways and designs that will look great with any furniture or interiors you have chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed shows how stylish a crib could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a useful feature that has helped it get top marks with our panel. Likewise, teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable, 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 with the removal of a side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and sturdy construction impressed our test subjects however, the price could be a concern for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay both at night and during the day however it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them with care to ensure that your child is snug and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could be trapped or choke. Also, you should be sure that the drop-side mechanism 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 that have an anti-bite strip at the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will have this information in the product description or on their website, however if you have any concerns it's a good idea to speak with the seller to confirm.
Convertibility
You may want your cot to last for a long time, and some models are made to do that. The most popular convert into toddler beds and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use it past the infant stage. These tend to cost more due to the fact that they must support the weight of a larger child for a longer time, however they can be a great value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your baby has grown.
A cot is also among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby, and it's vital to ensure that it complies with strict UK safety standards. Look up the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps on all sides. If it isn't you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as a storage drawer and teething rails that can help to reduce space and make life as a parent easier. Some are simple to put together, which is perfect when you're not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it all together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for instance, was rated by one of our mum testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and pictures.
Another option is the gorgeous Boori cot, which has an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and then to a junior bed by the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space, and one of our test parents reported that hers had lasted through three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has a modular design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini cot beds model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition an additional side, it can be converted into a toddler's bed. Once your child is older you can upgrade to a junior bed. It's also a top option for aesthetics, with our panel loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.