Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great accessory to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails keep it tidy too.
If your baby is a grumpy sleeper, this crib could be the solution. It makes soothing sounds that mimic a womb.Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the ideal size to give your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to fit most babies until they reach three years old. Some cots could have curving edges or other features that may affect the fit of a mattress. It is therefore essential to check the cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at a wide range of retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have a return policy so you can swap out a cot that isn't suitable for your needs. You can also get a feel about the size of each cot and how it will fit in 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 great option. The cot listens to the baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby to get a good night's rest. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's a great choice for fussy newborns and babies with breathing difficulties and it can monitor their sleep patterns, which will help you understand the routines of your little one.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic alternative. This minimalistic cot is made from solid beech and features an adjustable panel that can be transformed into an infant bed. It has a range of mattresses, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their requirements. It's also a great option for smaller bedrooms or with sloped ceilings and our panel found it easy to construct.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of colors from white to dark slate gray and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four. It comes with three mattress height settings, which will help you to reach your baby easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and adding an additional footboard. The crib has 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 secure too. Find a cot that has the code BS EN 716 and that is certified to meet British safety standards. It must also have a sturdy flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets and bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're purchasing a used cot, make sure to verify the age of the cot. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Be sure to look for signs that the cot has been used, especially around the sides, where children may rub their hands. This could cause skin irritation. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may fall off, creating an choking risk for your child.
Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. "It's very easy to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the easiest cots to convert into a toddler bed. The cot has an open drawer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three adjustable heights which means you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. You should look for a cot that is at least 50cm in depth to prevent your child from escaping when they begin to increase their mobility. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll require, as there are many choices out available from foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're planning to buy a new cot you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. If you're buying a second-hand cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess the safety of the cot and repair any damage. This service will cost you about PS100, but it is worth it for peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up on safety and spec when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about style. A cot will be in use for a long time so it's important to find one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in various colors and designs to match any furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a wonderful illustration of how stylish a cot could be. Its under-bed storage drawer is a practical feature which made it a top pick on our panel, and teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as useful as it is stylish. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is delivered flat, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a fashionable, functional cot. It blends the Scandi style with the practicality of being able grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, after which you can transform it into a bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval finish and quality construction impressed our testers however, the price may be a hindrance for some.
If you choose an item with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. It is also important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you select a model with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. you should also check that the drop-side mechanism works well and efficiently and cannot be easily lowered by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and when it transforms into a bed, BS 8509, which includes a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds but you can also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
You might want your cot to last a long time and some models are designed to do just that. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you continue using it well beyond the baby stage. They are more expensive because they have to support an overweight child for a longer period of time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to use them for a long time after your baby is grown.
It's important to make sure that the cot you choose is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the product's page to confirm. Also, ensure the base is completely slatted with no gaps at all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.
Some cots have additional features like a drawer for storage or rails for teething. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble, which is perfect for those who are in a hurry or are worried about putting it 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 has an elegant design and comes in an array of finishes to suit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by taking one side off the cot. It can then be converted into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It is available in various sizes that will suit your space. One of our test subjects stated that her bed lasted for three kids.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an modular design that permits you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is ideal 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. It's also a top choice for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.
