Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to focus on the safety features and specifications when you're looking for a compact bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and extremely light This model is an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots, however they still provide all the comfort and safety 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 converted into an elegant sofa bed for use with older children, too.
Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and reassembled in case you want to store other baby things. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates 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 includes a variety of sizes, meaning there's something for every space. A lot of the designs in our roundup come with an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
When you are choosing a cot it is important to determine the size of your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before purchasing. The gap between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also simple to adjust to your baby's growing needs. It is more expensive than other cribs on our list, and you'll have to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a compact nursery, and it's our pick of the most affordable cot. It has a lot of extra features that include teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to fit the baby's development. It's also easy to put together. It comes with a mattress, however, you'll need a second to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has an easy mattress. This will help your baby sleep well. These mattresses are more rigid than the traditional cot mattress but are soft enough to ensure your child gets a good night sleep.
The cushioning on these mattresses can also help to reduce heat retention, which may cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of chemicals and irritants so that they won't disturb your baby's delicate skin.
These mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers, as they offer adequate support for the neck, head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling system, which parents have found to be helpful for colic and reflux.
It is essential to determine the mattress size and ensure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. You should also determine whether there are specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when purchasing mattresses for cots like the minimum thickness.
If you're in search of a cot bed that can grow with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It's a cot that can be converted into an infant bed. This can save you the cost of buying an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.
The user-friendly setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came from the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds on itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and light, fitting in a carry case that is larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot to grandparents at their homes.
This cot is extremely comfy, despite being larger than other models from our tried-and-tested line-up. It is designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's also a solid, stable option for both back and side sleepers though senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby, it's important to check that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to meet. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to transform it into a toddler's bed. cots offers should also check that it's the right size for your nursery and has enough room for a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should be at least 140cm by 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. It could be dangerous to suffocate if it is soft or worn out. Check 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.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and other items that could be a choking danger. It is essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate while they sleep. If your cot is equipped with drop-sides, be sure to check them frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secure.
It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot close to an open window or a radiator in case they become too hot or wake up with a sunburn. You should also keep the cot clear of cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children might reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.
This cot is well worth the extra expense for those who want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels sturdy. It takes time to put together. It's not expensive, but it will last your child through their toddler years.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, you need to remember that you're likely investing in a long-term piece of furniture. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a short period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to safely transition to a toddler or kids single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your child grows, ensuring they stay safe and comfortable for longer.
Another important feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your little one a feeling of independence once they begin walking around, and can help them get in and out of their bed quickly. For more flexibility, some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cozy sofa by taking the front off of the bed.
The slatted design 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 can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and can help ensure that your baby has an enjoyable sleep.
A cot-sized or small bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleep habits and safety, and can be an attractive design element to any nursery. With so many designs available to choose from, it's worth the effort to explore the wide range of cots and beds on offer at Cuckooland to find one that's perfect for you.
You'll also find that a range of accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This allows you to create an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, making sure they get the best rest possible.