Buying Small Cot Beds
When you are looking for a compact cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features but consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed cot can help make a room feel bigger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style, and quite light this model is a good choice for smaller bedrooms. It's also the most simple flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still have all the security and comfort features your baby deserves. They can be used from birth or until your toddler is able to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children too.
To make the most of your space, look for a model that fits in with the furniture in your bedroom or one that you can easily dismantle and put up again when you want to put in other baby things. You may also want to consider a cot that is compact bed that has built-in storage or multi-functional designs that combine a chest of drawers with a changing table 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 majority of the designs on our list have an adjustable mattress that helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
It is crucial to determine the size of your nursery prior to purchasing a cot. You should also look at the gap between the bars as this needs to be no greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and has a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's designed to last, with a sturdy build and quality materials, and is easy to alter to your baby's needs as they grow. It's more expensive than other cots we've reviewed, and you will need to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the best value cot, is another ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's loaded with extra features, including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together too. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy another one for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your child to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the most beneficial ways to help them get a good night's sleep is to choose a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. These are designed to be firmer than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your baby will enjoy a good night's rest.
The mattresses are cushioned to reduce the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
Typically, affordable cots of mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers since they provide excellent support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle in the cot, which is beneficial for reflux or colic.
When choosing a small mattress cot bed that has cushions, it's important to check the size of the mattress and whether it will fit inside the cot's base. Find out if the cot mattress has any particular rules or regulations, such as the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for a cot bed that can grow with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It is a cot that can be converted into an infant bed. This will save you the expense of buying a new bed for your child once they are ready.
The simple setup of this cot was 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 up without a complicated mechanism to work with. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting neatly into a bag smaller than a camping chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' homes.
Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It is designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel like they are in a bouncer. It's also a solid and stable choice for back and side sleepers however senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that the cot bed you select is safe for your child. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into a toddler bed. Verify that it's the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat inside the cot. If best cot bed 's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Check the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. When you press on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it will feel firm.
Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and other things that could be a choking danger. It is essential that babies move around freely and roll over during sleep. If your cot features a drop-side, check it regularly to make sure the mechanism locks securely.
It's recommended to avoid placing a cot close to an open window or a radiator in case they get too hot or awake with sunburn. You should also keep the cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. The cords could strangle infants and older children may reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a premium finish the cot is worth the cost over cheaper alternatives. The instructions are clear, and the wood feels solid. It takes some time to put together. It's not cheap but it will last into their toddler years.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a brief period of time, cots and beds are suitable from birth until the time when a child can safely transition into a toddler or kids single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress in height as your child grows, ensuring they stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.
Another important feature to look for is the ability to take sections of the cot bars. This is an excellent way to give your baby a sense of independence once they start toddle, and will help them get in and out of their bed quickly. To make it even more flexible the cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cosy sofa simply by taking the front off of the bed.
Many cots come with slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces, since 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 when trying to ensure that your child gets a good night's 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 styles to pick from, it's worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and cots on offer at Cuckooland to find one that is suitable for your needs.
For each crib, you'll find various accessories like soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This lets you create a an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, making sure they are getting the best quality sleep possible.