Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to concentrate on the safety and features when you're looking for a compact bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less clutter-filled.
This model is ideal for smaller bedrooms. It's light and stroller-style. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots however, they still offer all the safety and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children too.
To make the most of your space, look for an item that is compatible with the furniture in your bedroom or one that you can easily disassemble and reassemble if you want to put in other baby objects. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that includes a changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, so there's something for every space. A majority of the designs that we have listed come with mattresses that are fitted, which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
When 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 shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, which can fit the standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and is fitted with a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It's built to last, with a sturdy construction and quality materials, and is easy to alter as your child grows. It is more expensive than the other cots we've reviewed, and you will need to purchase a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the most value-for-money cot. It comes with a variety of extra features that include teething rails. There are also two height positions that can be adjusted to fit your baby's growth. It's also easy to assemble. The mattress is included, but another one is required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
Pick a small cot that has an easy mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. They are designed to be firmer than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your child will get an enjoyable night's sleep.
The mattress's cushioning helps in preventing heat retention, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to your baby's skin.
These mattresses are a good option for side and back sleepers, since they provide good support for neck, head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built in cradling system, which many parents find to be helpful in cases of colic and reflux.
It is crucial to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it fits in the base of the cot prior purchasing a small cot. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, such as a minimum thickness.
This adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who want a cot that will grow with their child. It's a cot that transforms into a toddler bed. This can save you the expense of purchasing a new bed for your child once they are ready.
Our test panel enjoyed the cot's simple setup The mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds up, with no complicated mechanisms to work with. It's also lightweight and compact, fitting neatly into a carry bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.
The cot is extremely comfortable despite being bigger than the other models in our tried and tested range. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel as if they are in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy and stable choice for side and back sleepers, however 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 a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. Make sure it's appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to sleep safely. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is flat and firm. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Examine the mattress to determine whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should be firm and flat when you press it down on the centre of it.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges, and anything else which could pose a choking risk. It's essential that babies move freely and turn over as they sleep. If your crib has a drop-side be sure to check it regularly to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Do not put your cot near a radiator or a sunny window. It could become too hot or wake up with sunburn. It is also important to keep the cot clear of cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these, and older children could climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
This cot is well worth the extra money if you want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It takes some time to put together. It's not expensive, but it will last your child until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's important to keep in mind that you're investing in a long-term piece of furniture. In contrast to cribs , which are used only for a short period of time, cots are appropriate from the moment a child is born until they can safely move to the toddler bed or single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable base height to ensure that it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress's height as your child grows, ensuring they stay safe and comfortable for longer.
Another design element to look out for is the ability to remove sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your child a sense of independence once they begin playing, and can assist them in and out of their bed quickly. For even greater flexibility the cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cosy sofa simply by taking off the front of the bed.
Many cots feature slatted designs that are perfect for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a huge difference when it comes to comfort, and can make all the difference in trying to ensure that your child gets a restful night's sleep.
A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby’s safety and sleeping habits. It's also an excellent addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds for you to choose from.
There's also various accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets with high-end bed linen are available for every cot to complete the look. This will allow you to create a an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, making sure they are getting the best quality sleep possible.