What Experts In The Field Want You To Be Able To
How to Choose cot beds for sale in the UK
With its sleek minimalist design and warm oak finish, this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. It's also tidy by having a drawer and an anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your baby is a troublesome sleeper, this smart crib might be the answer. It makes soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A cot that is suitable for your child is the right size to allow your baby room to grow without overwhelming the nursery. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm x 140cm. This should be enough to fit most babies until they are around three years old. Some cots may have curves or other features that may impact the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore essential to double check your cot's footprint prior buying.
There are cots available at a wide range of retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have the option of a return policy, so you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop online, since you can get a better idea of the dimensions of each cot and the way it will look in your nursery.
If you are looking for a cot that is of high-quality that is of high-end quality, the SNOO Sleeper Smart is a great option. The cot listens to your baby's crying and responds by gently rocking the baby to sleep, imitating the sounds of the womb. This technology helps your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any cot or crib. It's ideal for babies who have breathing issues or are irritable newborns. It also monitors their sleep patterns to help you understand your child's routines.
Another option is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. The cot is minimalistic, constructed of solid beech, has an adjustable panel that can transform it into a toddler's bed. It has a range of mattress bases, so you can alter the height of your child's sleeping area to suit their needs. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel was also easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, which is part of 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 your child is four years old. It comes with three mattress height settings which will help you to reach your child easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in a footboard. The cot is FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are an essential element of the nursery for your baby, however, they must be safe too. Look for a cot that is certified to meet the British safety standards and bears the code BS EN 716. It must have a flat, firm mattress, and should not be stuffed with duvets, pillows or bumpers that aren't recommended.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, be sure that it's not too old since paint may contain lead, which can be harmful to infants. Check for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands since this could cause skin irritation. Also, it's worth checking for any transfers or stickers because they can come off and present the risk of choking your child.
Some cots have additional features, like teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being both stylish and functional. It's easy to assemble and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed. The cot also has 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 another important factor to consider. Look for a cot that is at least 50cm deep in order to stop your child from climbing out as they increase their mobility. It is also worth thinking about the type of mattress you'll need, as there are a myriad of options there from foam and spring interiors to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. If you're looking to purchase an entirely new cot, you might also want to consider a cot mattress protector to protect against stains or spills. If you're buying a secondhand cot, you'll want to consult a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's well worth the investment to have peace of mind.
Style
It's easy to get caught up with spec and safety when purchasing a baby's cot, but don't forget about the style. A cot is going to be used for a long period of time, so it's important to find one that matches your baby's room as well as your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cot beds come in a variety of styles and colours that are perfect for any furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed showcases how stylish a crib 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 and 3 adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed as functional as it is fashionable. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to build, even though it comes in a flatpack with easy-to-follow instructions and labelled parts.
Another option for a stylish cot is Stokke Sleepi, which combines the design of Scandi with the function of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used from birth as a cot or until your child is five years older, at which point it can be converted to a toddler bed by the removal of the side. Its sleek oval design and quality construction impressed our test subjects however, the price might be a problem for some.
A crib is a safe space for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night It is important that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure your baby stays snug and secure. If you select a cot with bars that are too close, your baby could become trapped or choke. it is important to ensure that the drop-side mechanism operates smoothly and effectively, and can't be easily lowered by your child.
If you're purchasing a cot that converts into a mattress, ensure that it complies with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the product description of cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the retailer's website.
Convertibility
It is possible that your cot to last for a long time, and certain models are designed to accomplish that. The majority of popular cots can be turned into toddler beds or sofas. This allows you to keep using it after the infant stage. These tend to cost more because they have to support the weight of an adult for a longer period, but they can provide excellent value for your money if you are planning to keep using them after your baby is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you pick meets UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure the base is slatted completely with no gaps on any sides. If it isn't you'll have to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots are equipped with additional features like a storage drawer or teething rails. These can help save space and simplify the lives of parents. Others are simple to assemble and are ideal for those who are not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together. One of our mom testers has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to put together flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which has a timeless design and comes in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It features three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be made an infant bed by removing the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It comes in various sizes that will suit your room. One of our testers said hers lasted through 3 children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It comes with a modular design which allows it to be adapted into different configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side, and it can be converted into a junior bed when your child is ready for it. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and oval shape.