How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK<br /><br />With its sleek minimalist design and warm oak finish this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. A drawer as well as an anti-bite plastic strip on the top rails will help keep it neat too.<br /><br />This crib is the solution for your child who is fussy. It responds to their cry with soft sounds that mimic the womb.<br /><br />Size<br /><br />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 mattress for cots is 70cm x 140cm, which should accommodate most babies up to around three years old. However, some cots feature curved corners or other features that could cause issues with the size of a mattress, therefore it is important to check the footprint of your cot prior to making a buy.<br /><br />There are cots available at many high-street retailers including Dunelm or Ikea. A lot of them also offer a return policy, which means you can return a cot if it doesn't meet your requirements. You can also get a better idea for the size of each cot and how it will fit in your nursery by shopping online.<br /><br />If you're looking for a top-notch cot, try the SNOO Smart Sleeper. The cot will listen to your baby's crying and gently rock them to sleep, simulating the sounds of the womb. This technology will help your baby get a good night's sleep. It can be used in any crib or cot. It is a great option for babies and newborns who are fussy or with breathing difficulties, and it can even monitor their sleep patterns to help you understand the routines of your infant.<br /><br />Another great alternative is the Stokke Sleepi Cot. This minimalistic cot, made of solid beech, comes with an adjustable panel that can be transformed into a toddler's bed. It also offers a wide range of mattress base positions that allows you to alter the size of your child's sleeping area as they expand. It's also a great choice for smaller bedrooms or sloped ceilings, and our panel found it easy to put together.<br /><br />Another cot that is budget-friendly is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday collection. It comes in a range of finishes from white to dark slate gray, and can be used from birth until the time your child reaches the age of four. It comes with three mattress height settings, which allow you reach your child easily and can be turned into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and adding the footboard. The cot is also FSC certified and comes with a mattress included.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />Cots and cot beds are an important element of the nursery for your baby, but they have to be safe as well. Choose a cot that is certified to meet the British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and not be stuffed with duvets or bumpers which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.<br /><br />If buying a secondhand cot, make sure it's not too old since paint can contain lead that can be harmful to infants. Look for indications that the cot was used, particularly around the sides, where children may rub their hands. This can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that may be removed, posing a choking risk to your child.<br /><br />Some cots have extra features, such as teething rails or storage drawers. One of our mom testers was extremely pleased with this John Lewis model for being stylish and practical. It's easy to put together, and all pieces are alphabetized," she said. She also noted that it's also one of the easiest cribs to convert into a toddler-sized bed. The cot also comes with an optional drawer that helps keep the nursery organized and comes with three adjustable heights that allow you to use it as your baby grows.<br /><br />Another thing to consider is the depth of the cot. It is recommended to choose the cot to have at least 50cm in depth because this will stop your child from climbing the cot when they become more mobile. It is also worth thinking about the kind of mattress you'll need, as there are a variety of options out available, including foam, spring interiors or natural materials for allergy sufferers. If you're considering buying an entirely new cot, you might think about a cot mattress protector to safeguard against stains or spills. If you're purchasing an older cot, you should consider hiring a professional to assess its safety and repair any damage. This will cost you around PS100, but it is well worth it for peace of mind.<br /><br />Style<br /><br />When buying for a child it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. However, don't forget about the design. A cot will be in use for a long time, so it is essential to choose one that suits your baby's room and your decor. Fortunately, a lot of cots and cots are available in different colourways and designs that look great with any furniture or interiors you've chosen for your baby's first bedroom.<br /><br />The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed illustrates how stylish a crib could be. The under-bed storage drawer was an added feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this cot bed practical and stylish. Our test participants also appreciated that the cot was simple to build, even though it comes in a flatpack, complete with clearly labeled parts and easy instructions.<br /><br />Stokke Sleepi is another option for a chic and functional cot. It combines Scandi style with the functionality of being 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 old. old, when it can be transformed into a toddler bed with the removal of the side. Our test subjects were awed by its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish but it may be a bit costly for some.<br /><br />If you select a model with bars that are too close your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the drop-side mechanism functions smoothly and reliably and cannot be easily lifted by your child. If you select a cot that has bars that are too tightly separated, your child could be trapped or choke. Also, you should ensure that the mechanism for dropping is safe and doesn't let your child lower it.<br /><br />If <a href="https://blogfreely.net/tonnumber89/7-things-about-mini-cot-beds-youll-kick-yourself-for-not-knowing">recommended cribs</a> purchasing an cot that converts to a mattress, ensure that it meets UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. This information is usually included in the description of the product for cots or cot beds however, you can also look it up on the website of the seller.<br /><br />Convertibility<br /><br />Certain models are designed to last for a long time. The most popular convert into toddler beds, and sometimes even sofas that allow you to use them beyond the infant stage. These tend to cost more because they have to support the weight of the larger child for a longer period, however, they can offer excellent value for the money if you plan to keep using them after your child is older.<br /><br />It's important to make sure that the cot you pick is in compliance with UK safety standards. Check for the BS EN 716 code on the product's webpage to confirm this, and also make sure that it has a base that's fully slatted and has no gaps in all of the sides. If it doesn't, you will need to buy a mattress separately.<br /><br />Some cots come with extra features like teething rails that can help to save space and make your life as a parent simpler. Some cots are simple put together, which is a great benefit if you're short on time or are worried about putting them together by yourself. One of our mum test subjects rated the John Lewis cot-bed as 'easiest to assemble flatpack'. It comes with detailed instructions and pictures.<br /><br />The Boori cot is another option. It has a classic style and comes in a variety of finishes that can be suited to your nursery. It can be turned into a toddler bed, by removing one side of the cot. It can then be transformed into a junior cot with the addition of a footboard. It comes in a variety of sizes that will fit your space. One of our testers said that her bed was able to last through three children.<br /><br />Another option is the Stokke Sleepi, which has an open design that allows you to expand it into different configurations. The mini model is suitable for use from birth however, with the addition of an additional side, it can be converted into a toddler's bed. If your child grows older, you can make the switch to a junior bed. It's also a top pick for aesthetics with our panel-loving the natural finish and smooth oval shape.<br /><br />