Buying Small Cot Beds
When looking for a small cot bed It's easy to get caught up on the specs and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetic too. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style and extremely light, this model is an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms. It's also the simplest flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, however they still provide all the comfort and safety features your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models convert into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children as well.
Choose a model that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled in case you want to make room for other baby things. It is also possible to consider a cot that is compact bed that has built-in storage or multi-functional designs that combine the drawers of a chest as well as a changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there is something for every space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup have a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
It's important that you take measurements of the space in your nursery before purchasing a crib. The distance between the bars should not be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which can fit a standard 120 x 60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last, with a sturdy build with high-quality materials, and is easy to alter as your child grows. It's more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a small nursery, and it's our pick for the best value cot. It's packed full of extra features including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together. It comes with a mattress, however, you'll need another one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
Choose browse around here with an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep comfortably. These are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your baby will enjoy a good night's rest.
The mattresses are cushioned to help prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals, as well as other substances that can cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
Typically, these types of mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers since they provide excellent support for neck and head as well as body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling feature, which parents have found to be beneficial for colic and reflux.
It is important to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior to buying a cot that is small. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, for instance the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot bed that will expand with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's a cot that transforms into an infant bed. This saves you the expense of buying a new bed for your child once they are ready.
The simple configuration of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came out of the box and unfolded just like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds down, with no complicated mechanisms to work with. It's also compact and lightweight and can easily fit into a bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried and tested range, this cot is extremely comfortable. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding, and a springy bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy, stable option for both back and side sleepers though the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick is safe for your child. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. Verify that it's the correct size for your nursery and provides enough space for your child to be safe. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is firm and lies flat in the cot. It could be a suffocation hazard if it is soft or worn out. Test the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. When you press down on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.
Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choking danger. Babies should be able to move easily and roll over in their sleep, so it's essential that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop-side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.
Do not put your cot near the heat source or a sunny window. It is possible that they will become too warm or wake up with sunburn. You should also keep the cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies and older children may reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.
This cot is definitely worth the extra expense if you want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. It's not the easiest to put together but the directions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap, but it will last until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's crucial to keep in mind that you're purchasing a long-term piece of furniture. In contrast to cribs that are used only for a brief period of time, cots and beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to safely transition to the toddler or single bed. To ensure the cot you purchase will last, look for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your child grows, ensuring they stay safe and comfortable for longer.
Another design element to keep an eye for is the ability to take off sections of the cot bars. This will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to play and will make it easier to help them get into and out of bed. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by taking out the front.
Many cots have slatted designs that are ideal for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a huge difference in comfort and can make the difference to ensure that your child gets an adequate night's rest.
A cot-sized or small bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleep habits and security, and is an excellent accessory to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds for you to choose from.
For each cot, there's a variety of accessories, including soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This allows you to create a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, making sure they are getting the best quality sleep possible.
