Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up on the specs and safety features, but take into account the design too. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less overwhelmed.
This model is ideal for smaller bedrooms. It's light and stroller-style. It's also the simplest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but they still have all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They are suitable from birth or until your toddler is ready to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a stylish sofa bed for older kids.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and reassembled when you need to make space for other baby items. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our list of cots for small children and cribs features a range of sizes, so there's something to suit every space. A lot of the cribs that we have listed come with an adjustable mattress which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When you are choosing a cot it is essential to measure the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to make sure it's suitable before making your purchase. The distance between the bars should not be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and features a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also easy to adjust to your baby's growing needs. However, it's a more expensive option than 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 fantastic option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick for the best value cots. It has a lot of extra features, including teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to fit your baby's growth. cots 4 tots is also super easy to put together. The mattress is included, however another one will be required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
As a parent you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment and one of the most beneficial options to ensure an adequate night's sleep is to choose a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. These mattresses are more rigid than standard cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep.
These mattresses are cushioned to prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals so that they won't disturb your baby's delicate skin.
Typically, these mattresses are a great choice for side and back sleepers, as they provide great support for the neck as well as the head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built-in cradling, which parents have found to be helpful in cases of colic and reflux.
It is essential to determine the mattress's size and make sure that it will fit in the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. It is also possible to determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations to adhere to when purchasing mattresses for cots like the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for a cot bed that can adapt to your child's needs take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially a cot but can later be transformed into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from the expense of buying a new bed when your baby is ready for it.
Our panel of test participants enjoyed the cot's simple setup and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot collapses on itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also light and compact and can easily fit into a bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case and ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.
This cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than other models in our tried-and-tested range. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if they are in a bouncer. It's also a solid and stable choice for back and side sleepers however the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
For your baby's safety, it's essential to verify that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to comply with. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to convert 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 sleep for your little one. It should be 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Check the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should be firm and lie flat when you press it down on the middle of it.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choke hazard. It's important that babies can move around freely and roll over during sleep. If your cot is equipped with drop-sides, be sure to check them regularly to make sure the mechanism locks securely.
Avoid placing the cot next to a radiator or a window that is sunny. It could become too warm or wake up with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords on wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, while older children could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
This cot is definitely worth the extra money if you want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. It's not the easiest to put together however the instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not cheap but it'll keep your child safe through their toddler years and look great in any nursery.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're likely investing in something that will last for years. Unlike cribs which are used only for a brief period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from the time the time a child is old enough to safely transition to the toddler or single bed. To ensure the cot you're buying will last, look out for a model with adjustable base heights. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your child grows, helping them stay in a safe and comfortable position for longer.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the capability to remove sections of the cot bars. This will provide your child with a sense of independence when they begin to play and will make it easier for them to get into and out of the bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa simply by removing the front.
Many cots have slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This makes a large difference in comfort and can make all the difference in trying to ensure that your baby has a good night's sleep.
A compact cot, also known as a the cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby's security and sleeping habits. It's also an excellent addition to any nursery. With so many options to pick from, it's worth the effort to explore the wide range of cots and cot beds that are available at Cuckooland to find one that is suitable for your needs.
You'll also find that a range of accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets made of high-end bed linen are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to create a cozy and welcoming environment for your baby to get the best sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.