Buying Small Cot Beds
When you are looking for a compact cot bed It's easy to get caught up on the specs and safety features, but take into account the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can make the small space appear bigger and less cluttered.
This model is ideal for bedrooms with small spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots however, they still offer all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used from the time of birth or until your toddler is ready to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children as well.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled and reassembled in case you want to store other baby items. You might also want to consider a compact cot bed that has built-in storage or multi-functional designs that combine the drawers of a chest with a changing table and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
Our list of cots for small children and cribs has a range of sizes, so there's something to suit every space. A majority of the designs on our list have an adjustable mattress that helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When selecting a cot, it is essential to determine the size of your nursery and verify the dimensions to ensure it's suitable before making your purchase. You should also look at the gap between the bars as it should not be more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and has a beautiful sleigh style frame. It is built to last with quality materials and a sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your baby's increasing requirements. However, it's a more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll have to buy a separate mattress in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a small nursery, and is our choice of the best value cots. It comes with a variety of extra features such as teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to suit your baby's growth. It is also super easy to assemble. It comes with a mattress, but you'll need to buy another one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment and one of the best options to help them get an adequate night's sleep is to choose a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be more firm than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your child will get the rest of the night.
They are cushioned to prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used in the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals to ensure they don't cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin.
Typically, these mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for neck as well as the head and body. These mattresses can be utilized in conjunction with the built-in cradle of a cot, which can be helpful for colic or reflux.
If you are considering a mattress cot bed that has cushions it is important to determine the size of the mattress and if it will fit into the cot's base. You can also find out if there are any other specific rules and regulations to follow when purchasing a cot mattress including the minimum thickness.
The adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents looking for an cot that can grow with their child. It is a cot that converts to an infant bed. This saves you the cost of buying a new bed for your child when they are ready.
infant cot bed of test participants was impressed by the simple setup of this cot, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds up without a complicated mechanism to handle. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting neatly into a bag slightly bigger than a camp chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to grandparents' homes.
This cot is extremely comfortable despite being bigger than other models from our tried-and-tested collection. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel as if they are in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
It is crucial to ensure that the cot bed you pick is safe for your child. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to transform it into a toddler's bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the right size for your nursery and has enough space to provide a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should be 140cm x 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is firm and lies flat inside the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Examine for any areas of sagging that could pose a danger, and test to see how the mattress springs back when pressing it. When you press on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.
Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choke danger. It's essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate while they sleep. If your cot features a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
It's recommended to avoid placing a cot next to a radiator or sunny window because they may get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Keep the cot far away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies, and older children could reach out to grab bars for their cot or 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 a bit time-consuming to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap however it will last until their toddler years and look great in any nursery.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's crucial to keep in mind that you're purchasing an item that will last for a long time. Contrary to cribs that are only used for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the time a child is born until they're able to easily transition to an adult bed or a single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you lower the mattress in height as your child grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.
Another important feature to look out for is the ability to remove sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your little one a feeling of independence once they start toddle, and will help them get in and out of their bed quickly. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by removing the front.
Many cots feature slatted designs that are perfect for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This makes a large difference in comfort, and could make all the difference in trying to ensure your baby gets an adequate night's rest.
A small cot or cot bed is a great investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an excellent accessory to any nursery. With so many styles to pick from, it's always worth the effort to browse the full selection of cots and cots on offer at Cuckooland to find the style that suits you.
You'll also find that an array of accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and top quality bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they have the best sleep possible.