Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to get caught up in the safety and features when you're looking for a compact bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can help make your room appear bigger and less cluttered.
This model is ideal for bedrooms with small spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.
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 until your toddler is ready for a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children as well.
To maximize your space, choose the right model that will fit with the furniture in your bedroom or one that you can easily disassemble and reassemble if you need to accommodate other baby things. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that incorporates the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there's something to fit in every space. A lot of the cribs on our list have a fitted mattress that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When selecting a cot, it's important to measure the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before purchasing. The gap between the bars should be no greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
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 a sturdy construction and quality materials, and it's easy to adjust as your baby grows. However, it's a much more expensive option than some of the other cots on our list and you'll need to purchase a mattress in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the best value cot, is a ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's loaded with extra features that include teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's development. It's also easy to put together. The mattress is included, however an additional one will be needed for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to enjoy a comfortable, safe sleeping environment and one of the best things you can do to help them get an adequate night's sleep is to choose a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. These mattresses are more rigid than traditional cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure your baby gets a good night's rest.
The mattresses are cushioned to prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are also free of chemicals and irritants so that they won't disturb your baby's sensitive skin.
Typically, these mattresses are a great choice for side and back sleepers as they provide good support for the neck and head as well as body. These mattresses can be utilized in conjunction with the built-in cradle in a cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.
If you are considering a cot bed with a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the size of the mattress and if it will fit inside the base of the cot. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, such as a minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot that can adapt to your child's needs and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It starts out as a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to buy a new bed when your child is ready for it.
Our panel of test participants loved this cot's easy setup The mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds into itself without any complicated mechanisms to deal with. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting neatly into a carry bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case. It's ideal for taking it to grandparents' houses.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding, and a springy bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could be a bit uncomfortable with it.
Safety
For your baby's safety, it's important to check whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to convert it into a toddler's bed. Make sure it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough space for your child to sleep safely. It should be 140cm x 70cm, and not have any gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat inside the cot. It could pose a suffocation hazard in the event that it is soft or worn out. Full Statement for any sagging areas that could be dangerous, and test to see how quickly the mattress springs back after pressing it. A high-quality mattress for cots should feel firm and flat when you press it down on the middle of it.
Keep the cot free of toys, stickers, and anything else which could be a danger to choking. Babies should be able to move freely and roll over in their sleep, so it's important that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot features a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secure.
It's recommended to avoid placing a cot close to the sun or a radiator because they may get too hot or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords on wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Babies can be strangled by these, and older children may climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
This cot is worth the extra expense If you're looking for an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow, and the wood feels solid. It takes a while to assemble. It's not cheap, but it will last into their toddler years.
Design
It's important to remember that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the moment a baby is born until they can safely transition 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 to lower the mattress's in height to suit your baby's growth, keeping them safe and comfy.
Another useful design feature to look for is the ability to take sections of the cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your little one a feeling of independence once they start walking around, and can aid them in getting into and out of their bed quickly. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.
Many cots come with slatted designs that are perfect for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This is a significant difference in comfort, and could make all the difference in trying to ensure your baby gets a restful night's sleep.
A small cot or bed is an excellent investment for your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be a beautiful addition to any nursery setting. With so many designs available to pick from, it's always worth taking the time to look through the entire selection of cots and cot beds that are available at Cuckooland to find the style that suits you.
For each cot, there's an array of accessories like soft duvets and premium bedding. This makes it simple to create a warm and welcoming environment for your baby to get the best sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.