Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it a wonderful addition to any nursery. It's also tidy with a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails.
This crib is the answer for your fussy baby. It responds to their cries by making soothing sounds that mimic the baby's womb.Size
A cot that is the right size strikes a balance between giving your baby the space to grow, but not overwhelming the nursery with a huge bed. The standard UK mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm that should be enough for infants up to three years old. Some cots could have curves or other features that could affect the fit of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to verify your cot's footprint prior to purchasing.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers, including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers offer a return policy so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your needs. You can also get a feel for the size of each cot and how it will fit into your nursery by shopping on the internet.
If you're looking for the best cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, emulating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a great night's rest. It can be used in any cot bed sales or crib sets. It's ideal for babies who have breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's habits.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. This cot that is minimalistic, made from solid beech, features an adjustable panel that can transform it into a bed for toddlers. 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 a great choice for small bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection, is another budget-friendly option. It's 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 has 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 sets has a mattress, and is FSC certified.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an important part of your baby's nursery but they must be safe as well. Look for a cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress, and not be filled with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you're buying a used cot, be sure to verify the date of purchase. Lead paint can be poisonous for infants. Examine for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children might rub their hands, as this may cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could be removed, posing a choking risk to your child.
Certain cots are equipped with extra features such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom test subjects praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. 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 that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery neat. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted, so you can use it to accommodate your growing child.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm of depth because this will stop your child from climbing the cot as they become more mobile. There are a myriad of options for cot mattresses which include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials for those who suffer from allergies. You may also want to consider buying a cot protector to protect your mattress from stains and spills in the event that you decide to purchase a new cot. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
When you're shopping for a Baby beds, it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the design. It is essential to select a cot that matches your baby's nursery as well as your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that are perfect for any furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a great illustration of how stylish a cot can be. Its storage drawer underneath the bed is a practical feature which has helped it get top marks with our panel, while teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. Our testers also loved that the cot was simple to construct and was delivered in a flatpack with labelled parts and simple instructions.
Another option for an elegant cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi design with the functionality of a cot that is able to 'grow' with your child. It can be used from the time of birth as a cot or until your child is five years of age, at which point it could be converted into a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its smooth oval-shaped finish and high-quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price may be a hindrance for some.
If you select an item with bars that are too close your baby may become trapped or choke. You should also make sure the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close your baby may get trapped or choke. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the mechanism for dropping works well and efficiently and cannot be easily lowered by your child.
You should also be sure that the cot you buy is in compliance with UK safety standards, usually BS EN 716, and in the event that it is converted into a bed, BS 8509, which includes an anti-bite plastic strip across the top of the bars. Most cots and cot beds will include this information in the description of the product or on their website, but should you have any questions, it's worth speaking to the retailer to be certain.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and some models are made to do that. The majority of popular cots can be transformed into sofas for toddlers or toddlers. This lets you continue using it long after the baby stage. They are more expensive because they have to support a heavier child for a longer period of time. However they are an excellent investment if you are planning to use them for a long time after your baby is grown.
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose meets 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's fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it doesn't then you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
Some cots come with additional features like a drawer for storage or teething rails. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal if you are short on time or worried about putting it together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mum testers as the most simple flatpack to put together' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless design and comes in a variety of finishes that will suit your nursery. It can be converted to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot with the addition a footboard. It comes in various sizes that will suit your room. One of our testers stated that her bed lasted for three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It has an open design that allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable for babies and can be converted into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and it can be converted to a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top option for aesthetics and style, thanks to our panel that loves natural finish and smooth oval shape.