(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7098/769/3-in-1-baby-crib-next-to-me-crib-bedside-sleeper-portable-travel-cot-bedside-crib-baby-bed-with-breathable-net-and-mattress-adjustable-portable-bed-for-infant-baby-girl-boy-grey-769.jpg)How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
Silver Cross' cot is elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist design. Its warm oak finish makes it a great addition to any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite strip of plastic on the top rails will help keep it neat too.
This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your child who is fussy. It responds to their cry with soothing sounds that resemble the womb.
Size
A good cot size is a compromise between providing your cheap baby cots for sale with space to grow and not overcrowding the nursery by an enormous bed. The standard UK size for cots is 70cm by 140cm. This should be sufficient to accommodate most babies until they are around three years old. Certain cots might have curves or other features that may alter the size of a bed mattress. It is therefore crucial to verify your cot's footprint prior buying.
You can find cots at many high-street retailers such as Dunelm or Ikea. Many retailers have an exchange policy so that you can exchange the cot that doesn't meet your needs. It's also worth shopping online, as 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 choice. 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 is designed to aid your baby's journey to peaceful sleep. it can be used with any crib or cot. It's a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing difficulties and it can track their sleep cycles to help you understand the routines of your baby.
Stokke Sleepi Cot is another fantastic option. This minimalistic cot is made of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into an infant bed. It also offers a wide variety of mattress positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's bed as they increase in height. It's a great option for bedrooms with small spaces or with sloped ceilings. Our panel was also easy to assemble.
The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a budget-friendly alternative. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray and can be used from birth up until your child reaches the age of four. It has three mattress options that will allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by removing the side panels and adding a footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cots are essential for the nursery of your baby's however, they must be secure. Find a cot that has been certified to meet the British safety standards and has the code BS EN 716. It should have a flat and firm mattress and shouldn't be filled with duvets or bumpers that aren't suggested.
If you're buying a second-hand cot, make sure it's not overly old, as paint could contain lead which is toxic to babies. Examine for indications of wear and tear, especially on the sides where a child may rub their hands as this may cause irritation to the skin. Also, it's worth checking for any stickers or transfers since they could peel off and create an choking risk to your baby.
Some cots 4 tots have extra features, such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mum testers particularly praised this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. “It's very easy to put together, and has every piece labeled alphabetically,” she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots to convert into the toddler bed. It also comes with an additional drawer that can help keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights so you can use it as your child grows.
Another consideration is the depth of the cot. Choose a cot which is at least 50cm deep, as this will stop your child from climbing out when they start to increase their mobility. There are a variety of options for cot mattresses that include foam, spring interiors, or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're looking to purchase a new cot you may want to consider a cot mattress protector to guard against stains or spills. It's a good idea to hire an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and repair any damage. This will usually cost about PS100 but it's well worth the investment for peace of mind.
Style
It can be easy to get bogged down with spec and safety when shopping for a baby but don't forget about the style. It's important to choose the cot that is in keeping with your Cheap Baby Cots For Sale's nursery and your decor. Many cots and beds are available in different colours and designs that can be matched to any nursery furniture and interiors that you select for your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The storage drawer in the under-bed was an added feature that helped it earn high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights also make this cot bed practical and fashionable. The cot is easy to put together, even though it is flat-packed, and comes with simple instructions and labelled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic functional cot. It combines the style of Scandi with the functionality of being able to 'grow with' your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth until the time your child reaches the age of five, when it can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing a side. Its sleek oval design and high-quality construction impressed our testers however, the price could be a concern for some.
A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay throughout the day and at night It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines carefully and follow them closely to ensure that your child is comfortable and secure. If you choose a model with bars that are too tightly separated, your baby could become trapped or choke. It is also important to make sure that the drop-side mechanism is secure and doesn't let your child lower it.
You should also ensure that the cot you purchase conforms to UK safety standards, typically BS EN 716, and if it converts into a bed, BS 8509, which has an anti-bite strip along the top of the bars. This information is usually found in the description of the product for the cot or bed, but you may also check the retailer's website.
Convertibility
Some models are made to last for many years. The most popular models convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas which allows you to use it well past 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, however, they can offer excellent value for your money if you are planning to continue using them once your child is older.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you choose meets UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and make sure that it has a base that is fully slatted and does not have gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't, you will need to purchase a new mattress.
Some cots offers come with additional features such as a drawer for storage or rails for teething. They can save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is ideal in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together. One of our mum test subjects has rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with clear instructions and photos.
The Boori cot is a different option. It has a timeless look and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It features three adjustable mattress height positions and can be converted to a toddler bed by removing the side, and later into a junior bed with the addition of a footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to suit your space. One of our test parents stated that hers had lasted through three children.
Stokke Sleepi is another great option. It has a modular design which allows it to be adapted into various configurations. The mini model is suitable from birth and then converts into a toddler bed with the addition of a side and then to a junior bed when your child is ready for it. It's also a top choice for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and the smooth oval shape.