Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to concentrate on the safety and spec features when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget the aesthetics. A well-designed cot will make the space appear larger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight This model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still offer all the security and comfort features your baby requires. They are suitable from birth, or until your toddler is able to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed for use with older children as well.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled and reassembled in the event that you need to make room for other baby things. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multi-functional design that incorporates the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there's something to suit every space. A majority of the designs on our list come with an adjustable mattress that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
When selecting a cot, it's important to measure the space in your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it will fit before making your purchase. The distance between the bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, that can accommodate the standard 120 x 60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your baby's growing requirements. However, it's a more expensive option than the other cots on our list, and you'll need to purchase a mattress when you pick this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a compact nursery, and it's our pick for the best value cot. It comes with a variety of extra features such as teething rails. There are also two height positions that can be adjusted to fit the growth of your baby. It is also super easy to put together. It comes with a mattress, but you'll need to buy an additional one for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Pick a small cot that has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep well. They are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your child will get the rest of the night.
The mattresses are cushioned to prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are also free of irritants and chemical to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's delicate skin.
Typically, these types of mattresses are a great choice for side and back sleepers, as they provide great support for neck, head and body. They can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle of a cot, which can be beneficial for reflux or colic.
It is crucial to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior to buying a cot that is small. Find out if the cot mattress has any particular rules or regulations, for instance a minimum thickness.
If you're looking for a cot bed that can grow with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's a cot which can be converted into an infant bed. This saves you the expense of buying a new bed for your child once they are ready.
Our panel of test participants enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds into itself without a complicated mechanism to handle. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents home.
Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that carries the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might have a problem with it.
Safety
It is crucial to make sure that the cot you select is safe for your child. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. You should also check that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough space for a secure sleeping environment for your child. It should be 140cm x 70cm and have no gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Test the mattress to see if it springs back quickly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should feel firm and lie flat when you press down on its centre.
Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choke danger. Babies should be able move freely and roll over in their sleep, so it's important that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
Avoid placing a cot next to the heat source or a sunny window. They could get too hot or wake up with sunburn. You should also keep your cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. The cords could strangle infants, and older children could reach out to grab bars for their cot or pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a premium finish, this cot is worth the cost over cheaper alternatives. It's a bit laborious to put together however the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap but it will last into their toddler years.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're purchasing something that will last for years. In contrast to cribs, which are designed for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the moment a child is born until they're able to safely transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. To ensure that the cot you purchase will last, look out for a design with adjustable heights for the base. best crib cots4totsuk lets you lower the mattress in height as your child grows, ensuring they stay safe and comfortable for longer.
One of the most useful features of the design is the ability to remove the cot bars into sections. This is an excellent way to give your child a sense of independence once they begin toddle, and will assist them in and out of their bed quickly. To make it even more flexible Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cosy sofa simply by taking the front off of the bed.
Many cots come with slatted designs that are perfect for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This makes a large difference when it comes to comfort, and can make all the difference when trying to ensure that your baby has a restful night's sleep.
A cot-sized or small bed is a great investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be a beautiful accessory to any nursery. With so many options to choose from, it's always worth the effort to browse the full selection of cots and cots on offer at Cuckooland to find one that suits you.
There's also an array of accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and high-end bed linen are available for each cot to complete the look. This will allow you to create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby, ensuring they are getting the best quality sleep possible.