Silver Cross' cot is stylish and sleek with its minimalist design. The warm oak finish makes it an excellent accessory to any nursery. It is also kept tidy with a drawer as well as a handy anti-bite plastic strip that runs across the top rails.
If your child is a fussy sleeper, this crib might be the answer. 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 provide your baby with enough room to grow without overtaking the nursery. The standard UK size of a cot is 70cm by 140cm. This should be adequate to fit most babies until they reach three years of age. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features that could cause issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is worth double checking the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.
There are plenty of shops on the high streets that offer the wide selection of cots, such as Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can swap out the cot that doesn't meet your needs. It's also a good idea to shop on the internet, as you will gain a better understanding of the dimensions of each cot, and how it will appear in your nursery.
If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. This cot will monitor your baby's cry and gently rock them to sleep, simulating 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 ideal for babies who have breathing issues or who are fussy babies. It can also track their sleep patterns to help you better know your child's behavior.
Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, has a removable panel that transforms it into a bed for toddlers. It also comes with an impressive range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's sleeping area as they grow. It's a great choice for smaller bedrooms or those with a sloped ceiling. Our panel also found it easy to put together.
The Elementary cot, part of John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of finishes, from white to dark slate grey, and is suitable from birth until the time your child is four years old. It has three mattress heights, which will help you to reach your baby easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by removing the sides and putting in the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and includes a mattress.
Safety
Cots and cot beds are a crucial part of your baby's nursery but they must be safe as well. Choose a cot that is marked with the code BS EN 716 and that has been certified as meeting British safety standards. It should also have a solid flat mattress and should not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
If you are purchasing a second-hand cot, be sure to check the date of purchase. Lead paint is poisonous for infants. Check for indications of wear and tear, particularly on the sides where children might rub their hands, because this can cause irritation to the skin. Check for any stickers and transfers that might fall off, creating an choking risk for your child.
Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails and storage drawers. One of our mum testers praised this John Lewis model for being stylish and functional. "It's very easy to put together, with all the pieces labelled alphabetically," she said, adding that it's one of the most simple cots available to transform into the toddler bed. The cot also has an optional drawer to help you keep the nursery tidy, and has 3 adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.
The depth of the cot is another important factor to consider. You should look for an cot that has a minimum depth of 50cm, as this will prevent your child from climbing onto the cot as they become mobile. It is also important to consider the type of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out available, including foam spring interiors, spring interiors, or natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. You may also want to think about purchasing a cot protector to shield the mattress from stains and spills if you plan to purchase a new cot. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of an old cot and fix any damage. It's typically about PS100 but it's worth it to ensure your peace of mind.
Style
When buying for a child it's easy to be engrossed in safety and specs. But don't overlook style. It is essential to select the right cot for your baby's nursery as well as your decor. Numerous cots and bed are available in different colours and designs to match any furniture and interiors you decide to put in your baby's bedroom.
The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot can be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that earned it high scores from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed functional and fashionable. The cot is simple to put together, despite the fact that it comes flat-packed, with simple instructions and labeled parts.
Stokke Sleepi is another option for a stylish functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the benefit of being able 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 bed for toddlers by cutting off a corner. Its smooth oval finish and high-quality construction impressed our testers however the cost may be a hindrance for some.
If you select the model with bars that are too close together your baby may become trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions efficiently and reliably, and can't be easily lowered by your child. If you select a cot with bars that are too close together the baby could get trapped or choke, and you should also check that the drop-side mechanism works smoothly and reliably, and can't be easily removed by your child.
If you're buying a cot that can be converted into a mattress, make sure it is compliant with UK safety standards. They are typically BS EN 716 and BS 8509 which include an anti-bite strip that is placed on the bar's top. The majority of cots and cots 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
Some models are made to last for an extended period of time. Many popular cots can be converted into toddler beds or sofas. This lets you keep using it after the infant stage. These cost more because they have to support a heavier child for a longer time. However they are a great investment if you are planning to use them long after your baby is grown.
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check the BS EN code on the page of the product to confirm. Also, ensure that the base is fully slatted with no gaps on any sides. If it is not then you'll need to purchase a separate bed mattress.
Some cots come with extra features, such as a storage drawer or rails for teething. These can help save space and make life easier for parents. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit in case you're running out of time or you're worried about putting them together yourself. The John Lewis cot bed, for example was rated by one our mom testers as being the'most simple flatpack to assemble and comes with clear instructions and photos.
Another option is the stunning Boori cot, which is an elegant design and is available in an array of finishes that will suit your nursery. It comes with three adjustable height positions for the mattress and can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the side, and later it can be converted to a junior bed with the addition of the footboard. It's also available in a range of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents reported that hers lasted through three kids.
Another great choice is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to transform it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth, but with the addition the side, it could be transformed into a toddler's bed. If your child is older you can make the switch to a junior bed. Our panel chose it for its aesthetics. They loved the natural finish and the oval shape.
