Buying Small Cot Beds
When you are looking for a compact cot bed It's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but you should also consider the design too. A well-designed bed can help make a small room appear larger and less clutter-filled.
This model is perfect for smaller bedrooms. It's light and stroller-style. It's also the simplest flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots but they still have all the comfort and safety features your baby needs. They are suitable from birth, or until your toddler is ready 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.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to make room for other baby things. It is also possible to consider a compact cot bed that has built-in storage or an all-purpose design that incorporates the drawers of a chest, changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
You can find a wide range of sizes in our cots for small spaces and cribs roundup and, therefore, regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's a bed that will fit your space. Many of the designs on our list have mattresses that are fitted that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When selecting a cot, it is important to measure the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to ensure it's suitable before making your purchase. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars as this should not be greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot that can accommodate an average 120 x 60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame in the sleigh style. It is built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also easy to adapt to your child's increasing requirements. However, it's a much more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the best value cot, is another great option for a compact nursery. It's stuffed with extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together. It includes a mattress, however, you'll need an additional one for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Select cots offers that is small and has a comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep well. They are designed to be firmer than the traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your baby will enjoy an enjoyable night's sleep.
They are cushioned to prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of chemicals and irritants so that they won't disturb your baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a good option for side and back sleepers as they provide adequate support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be used together with the built-in cradle of a cot, which is helpful for colic or 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. You can also find out whether there are specific rules and regulations to adhere to when purchasing a cot mattress, such as the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents who are looking for an cot that can grow with their child. It is a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed. This can save you the cost of buying an additional bed for your child once they are ready.
The user-friendly configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came out of the box and unfolded just like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds up without any complicated mechanisms to work with. It is also compact and light, fitting in a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot to grandparents home.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It's designed to feel as a mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that can absorb the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're in the bouncer. It's also a solid stable and safe option for side and back sleepers, though senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle with it.
Safety
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to transform it into a toddler's bed. Verify that it's appropriate for the nursery and has enough space for your child to be safe. It should measure 140cm by 70cm, and not have any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is level and firm. If it's old, soft or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Look for any sagging areas which could be hazardous and test how quickly the mattress will spring back after pressing down on it. A good quality mattress for cots should feel firm and lie flat when you press down on its centre.
Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and anything else that could cause choking. Babies must be able to move freely and roll over in their sleep, so it's important that the cot does not have raised corners or cut-outs could be used as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop-side be sure to check it regularly to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Avoid placing the cot next to a radiator or a bright window. They could get too warm or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot away from cords on wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, and older babies could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.
For Scandi style and a premium finish This cot is well worth the investment over other cheaper options. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels solid. It takes time to put together. It's not expensive however it will keep your child safe through their toddler years and look great in any nursery.
Design
It's important to remember that you'll be investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a brief period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to safely transition into a toddler or kids single bed. To ensure that the cot you purchase will last, look out for a design with adjustable base heights. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height to fit your baby's growth, keeping them safe and comfy.
A great design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This is a great way to give your baby a sense of independence when they begin to walking around, and can help them get in and out of their bed easily. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by removing the front.
Many cots come with slatted designs which are ideal for small spaces, as 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 enjoys a restful night.
A small cot or bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleep habits and safety, and can be an excellent addition to any nursery setting. With so many options to pick from, it's worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and cots that are available at Cuckooland to find the style that's perfect for you.
You'll also find that a range of accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets with top quality bed linen, are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This allows you to create an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, ensuring they get the best rest possible.