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How to Choose the Best Cots in the UK
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With its sleek, minimalist design and warm oak finish this cot from Silver Cross looks stylish in any nursery. A drawer and a handy anti-bite plastic strip on its top rails will help keep it tidy too.
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This smart crib could be the solution to soothe your child who is fussy. It responds with soothing sounds that mimic a mother's womb.
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Size
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A cot that is the right size balances giving your baby the space to grow, but not overcrowding the nursery by massive beds. The standard UK mattress size for cots is 70cm x 140cm, that should be enough for babies up to around three years old. However, some cots come with curved corners or other features that could result in issues with the size of a mattress. Therefore, it is worth double checking your cot's footprint before you buy.
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There are plenty of retailers on the high street that offer the wide selection of cots, including Dunelm and Ikea. Many retailers offer the option of a return policy, so you can exchange a cot that doesn't fit 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.
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If you're in search of a top-quality cot, check out 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 helps your baby get a good night's rest. It can be placed in any cot or crib. It's perfect for babies with breathing problems or fussy newborns. It also tracks their sleep patterns to help you know your child's behavior.
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Stokke Sleepi Cot is another excellent option. The cot is minimalist and constructed of solid beech and has a a removable panel to transform into a toddler bed. It comes with a variety of mattress bases, so you can adjust the height of your child’s sleeping area to suit their needs. It's a great option for smaller bedrooms or those with ceilings that slope. Our panel also found it easy to set up.
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The Elementary cot, from John Lewis' Anyday Collection is a different budget-friendly option. It is available 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 has three mattress settings that allow you to easily reach your baby. It can also be transformed into a Toddler Bed by taking off the side panels and adding the footboard. The cot comes with a mattress and is FSC certified.
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Safety
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Cots and cot beds are an essential part of the nursery of your baby's however, they must be safe too. Find an cot that has been certified to comply with British safety standards and carries the code BS EN 716. It should also have a firm flat mattress and should not be filled with duvets or bumpers, which aren't recommended by the Lullaby Trust.
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If you're purchasing a used cot, make sure to determine the age of it. Lead paint can be harmful to babies. Look for signs of wear and tear, especially on the sides where children may rub their hands because this can cause irritation to the skin. Be sure to look for any stickers or transfers that could peel off, posing a choking risk to your child.
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Some cots are equipped with additional features, such as teething rails, storage drawers, and [www.cots4Tots.co.uk](https://www.cots4tots.co.uk/) storage drawers. One of our mum test subjects particularly liked this model from John Lewis which is both elegant and practical. "It's very easy to put together, with every piece labeled alphabetically," she said, adding that it is also one of the easiest cots on the market to transform into an infant bed. The cot comes with an organizer that can be used to keep the nursery tidy. It also comes with three heights that can be adjusted which means you can make it suitable for your growing child.
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The depth of the cot is an additional important consideration. It is recommended to choose a cot with a minimum depth of 50cm to prevent your child from climbing the cot as they become mobile. There are many options for mattresses for cots which include spring interiors, foam, or natural materials If you have allergies. If you're considering buying a new cot you might think about a cot mattress protector to safeguard against spills or stains. It's worth hiring an expert to assess the safety of your used cot and fix any damage. The cost of this service is around PS100, but it is worthwhile for peace of mind.
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Style
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When shopping for a child it's easy to get caught up in the safety and specifications. But don't forget style. A cot will be in use for a long time so it's crucial to choose one that is suitable for your baby's room and your decor. There are plenty of cots and cot beds are available in different colourways and designs that are perfect for any furniture or interiors you've selected for your baby's first bedroom.
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The Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed is a fantastic illustration of how stylish a cot could be. The under-bed storage drawer was a feature that made it a winner for high marks from our panel. Teething rails and three adjustable mattress heights make this bed functional and stylish. Our testers also liked that the cot was easy to build and was delivered in a flatpack, with labelled parts and simple instructions.
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Another option for a stylish cot is the Stokke Sleepi, which combines Scandi style with the practicality of a cot that can 'grow' with your child. It can be used as a cot right from birth or until your child is five, when you can convert it into a bed for toddlers by removing a side. Our testers were impressed by its quality construction and smooth oval-shaped finish but it may be a little too pricey for some.
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A cot is a safe place for your baby to lay both at night and during the day, but it's important that you go through the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and follow them carefully to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable. If you select a cot that has bars that are too closely separated, your baby could get trapped or choke. Also, you should make sure that the mechanism for dropping is reliable and does not allow your child to lower it.
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If you're buying an cot that converts to a mattress, be sure it complies with UK safety standards. These are usually BS EN 716 and BS 8509 that have an anti-bite strip on the top of the bars. The majority of cots and beds will have this information included in the description of the product or on their website, however If you are concerned it's a good idea to speak with the seller to ensure.
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Convertibility
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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 transformed into sofas or toddler beds. This allows you to keep using it after the baby stage. These tend to cost more as they need to hold the weight of an adult for a longer period of time, but they can provide excellent value for money if you intend to use them until your baby is older.
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A cot is among the most crucial purchases you'll make for your new baby It is crucial to ensure it is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards. Look for the BS EN 716 code on the product page to confirm this, and check that it has a base that's fully slatted and does not have gaps on all sides. If it doesn't, you will have to purchase a new bed mattress.
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Some cots are also equipped with additional features, such as teething rails, which can help to reduce space and make your parenting life easier. Others are easy to assemble and are ideal when you're not able to complete the task in time or are concerned about putting it together. The John Lewis cot bed, for example, was rated by one of our mom testers as the 'easiest flatpack to assemble' and is complete with clear instructions and images.
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The Boori cot is a different alternative. It has a timeless style and comes in a range of finishes that will fit your nursery. It can be turned to a toddler bed by removing one of the sides of the cot. Then, it can be transformed into a junior cot by the addition a footboard. It's also available in a variety of sizes to match your space. One of our test parents stated that hers had lasted through three kids.
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Stokke Sleepi is another great alternative. It is an open design that allows it to be expanded into different configurations. The mini model is ideal from birth, and then transforms into a toddler bed by the addition of a side, and then into a junior bed when your child is ready. It's also a top pick for aesthetics with our panel-loving natural finish and smooth oval shape.
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