Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to get caught up in the safety and spec features when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less clutter-filled.
This model is ideal for bedrooms with small spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the simplest flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots however they still provide all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used from birth, or until your toddler is old enough to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be turned into a stylish couch bed to use with older children.
To maximize your space, look for an item that is compatible with your existing furniture in the bedroom, or one that you can easily disassemble and reassemble if you want to put in other baby things. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and benches 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. Many of the designs that we have listed come with a fitted mattress, which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
It's important that you take measurements of the space in your nursery before purchasing a cot. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars, as this should not be more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, that can accommodate the standard 120 x 60cm mattress and features a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It's built to last with a sturdy construction and high-quality materials, and it's easy to alter to your baby's needs as they grow. However, it's a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the most value cot, is a excellent option for a small nursery. It has a lot of extra features that include 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. The mattress is included, but another one will be needed to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
As a parent you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the best things you can do to ensure a good night's sleep is to select a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. They are designed to be more firm than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your baby will enjoy a good night's rest.
The mattress's cushioning can also help to reduce the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants and chemicals, as well as other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.
These mattresses are a good option for side and back sleepers as they provide good support for the neck, head and body. They can be used together with the built-in cradle of the cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.
It is important to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it will fit in the base of the cot before buying a cot that is small. It is also possible to determine whether there are specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when buying a cot mattress, such as the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design by Vox is a great option 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 expense of buying a new bed for your child when they are ready.
The easy-to-use setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came out of the box and folded like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds down, with no complicated mechanisms to handle. It's also compact and light, fitting in a carry case that is larger than the case of the camp chair. Going Listed here makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents' homes.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding, and a springy bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if they're in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have a problem with it.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick is safe for your child. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. You should also check that it's the correct size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide a safe sleep for your baby. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat inside the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Look for any areas of sagging which could be hazardous and test how the mattress springs back when pressing down on it. A good quality mattress for cots should be firm and lie flat when you press it down on its centre.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choking risk. Babies must be able to move easily and roll over during their sleep, so it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If Going Listed here has drop-sides, make sure you check it often to ensure that the mechanism is secure.
It's important to avoid placing a cot next to the sun or a radiator, as they could get too hot or awake with sunburn. Also, keep your cot away from wall mounted curtain cords, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies, and older children could reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.
This cot is worth the extra cost If you're looking for a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's a bit laborious to put together, but the instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not expensive, but it'll last until their toddler years and look great in any nursery.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's important to remember that you're likely purchasing a long-term piece of furniture. Unlike cribs, which are only used for a short time, cots are suitable from the time a child is born until they are able to safely transition to an adult bed or a single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your baby grows, making sure they are safe and comfortable for longer.
Another important feature to keep an eye out for is the capability to remove sections of the cot bars. This will provide your child with an impression of independence once they begin to play and make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. For even greater flexibility, some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a comfortable sofa by taking the front off of the bed.
Many cots have slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and help ensure that your baby gets an enjoyable sleep.
A small cot, or the cot-bed, is an excellent investment in your baby's security and sleeping habits. It can also be a lovely addition to any nursery. With so many styles to choose from, it's always worth the effort to explore the wide range of cots and cot beds available at Cuckooland to find the style that is suitable for your needs.
You'll also find that a range of accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets made of high-end bed linen are available for every cot to complete the look. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, making sure they are getting the best quality sleep possible.