Buying read review to get caught up in the safety and features when shopping for a small bed. But infant cot bed forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less clutter-filled.
This model is perfect for bedrooms with small spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the easiest flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the security and comfort features your baby deserves. They are suitable from birth or until your toddler is old enough to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a chic couch bed to use with older children.
To help you make the most of your space, consider a model that fits in with the furniture in your bedroom or one that you can easily take apart and reassemble when you want to put in other baby objects. You may also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines a chest of drawers, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our list of cots for small children and cribs has a range of sizes, meaning there's something to fit in every space. A lot of the cribs on our list have a fitted mattress, which helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
It is crucial to determine the size of your nursery prior to purchasing a cot. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which takes a standard 120x60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last with a sturdy construction with high-quality materials, and is easy to alter as your child grows. However, it's a much more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately when you pick this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a smaller nursery and it's our pick for the best value cot. It comes with a variety of extra features that include teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to fit the growth of your baby. It is also super easy to assemble. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy another one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. These are designed to be more firm than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your child will have a good night's rest.
They are cushioned to prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used on the mattress are also free of irritants and chemical to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a good option for back and side sleepers, since they provide good support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle of a cot, which is useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
If you are considering a mattress cot bed that has a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the dimensions of the mattress and if it will fit into the base of the cot. Find out if the cot mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, like the minimum thickness.
If you're in search of a cot bed that can expand with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's a cot that transforms into a toddler bed. This will save you the cost of buying an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.
The user-friendly configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came from the box and was unfolded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down without a complicated mechanism to work with. It's also lightweight and compact and fits neatly into a carry bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel like they are in the bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
It's vital to make sure that the cot bed you select is safe for your child. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. Make sure it's the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to sleep safely. It should be 140cm x 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure that the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could create a risk of suffocation. Check the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. If you press the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it will feel firm.
Keep the cot free of toys, smudges, and anything else which could be a danger to choking. Babies should be able to move freely and roll over during their sleep, so it's also important that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot features a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secured.
It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot next to the sun or a radiator because they may get too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Keep the cot away from wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Babies can get caught by these, and older babies could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
This cot is worth the extra expense if you want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are clear, and the wood feels solid. It takes time to assemble. It's not cheap but it'll last your child right into their toddler years and look great in any nursery.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's important to remember that you're likely investing in a long-term piece of furniture. In contrast to cribs, which are only used for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the moment a baby 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 that it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's in height as your child grows, making sure they are safe and comfortable for longer.
A useful design feature is the ability to remove the cot bars into sections. This will provide your child with an impression of independence once they begin to crawl and will make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by removing the front.
The slatted style of many cots is a great option for a small space, also, since it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This is a significant difference in comfort, and can make all the difference when trying to ensure your baby gets a good night's sleep.
A small cot, or the cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby's safety and sleeping habits. It can also be an excellent addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds to choose from.
For each cot, there's various accessories like soft duvets and premium bed linen. This makes it easy to create a warm and warm environment for your baby's to get the best possible rest and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.