Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to get caught up in the safety features and specifications when looking for a smaller bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and less clutter-filled.
This model is ideal for smaller bedrooms. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still offer all the safety and comfort features that your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models convert into an elegant sofa bed for use with older children too.
To make the most of your space, consider an item that is compatible with the furniture in your bedroom or one that can easily take apart and reassemble if you need to accommodate other baby things. It is also possible to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage or an all-purpose design that incorporates a chest of drawers, changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
You can find a wide range of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that no matter if you have a small nursery or a huge playroom there should be something to suit your space. Many of the designs on our list have an adjustable mattress that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
It is essential to measure the space available in your nursery before purchasing a crib. best rated cribs should also look at 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 which can fit a standard 120x60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame in the sleigh style. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also easy to adapt to your baby's growing requirements. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately when you pick this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the most value cot, is a ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It comes with a variety of extra features, including teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to fit your baby's growth. It's also easy to assemble. 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 a comfortable, safe sleeping environment and one of the best ways to ensure a good night's sleep is to select a small cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are firmer than the traditional cot mattress but are soft enough to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.
The mattresses are cushioned to prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of chemicals and irritants so that they won't disturb your baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers, as they offer excellent support for the neck, head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built in cradling feature, which parents have found to be helpful for colic and reflux.
It is essential to determine the mattress's size and make sure that it fits in the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. Find out if the mattress has any specific rules or regulations, such as a minimum thickness.
The adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents looking for a cot that grows with their child. It is a cot that can be converted into an infant bed. This saves you the cost of buying a new bed for your child when they are ready.
Our test panel enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds up without a complicated mechanism to work with. It's also lightweight and compact, fitting neatly into a bag slightly larger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.
The cot is extremely comfortable, despite being larger than other models from our tried-and-tested range. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding, and a springy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel as if they are in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have a problem with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it's important to check whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to comply with. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to transform it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is the correct size for your nursery and is big enough for your child to be safe. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is level and firm. If it's old, soft or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Test the mattress to see if it springs back quickly after pressing. If you press the middle of a good quality cot-mattress it should feel firm.
Keep the cot clear of any toys, stickers, and anything else which could be a danger to choking. It's important that babies can move freely and turn over while they sleep. If your crib has a drop side check it frequently to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
It's recommended to avoid placing a cot next to an open window or a radiator because they may become too hot or awake with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies, and older children could reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.
This cot is worth the extra cost if you want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble but the directions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not cheap but it will last your child through their toddler years.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, you need to keep in mind that you're investing in an item that will last for a long time. Unlike cribs which are used only for a brief period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from the time 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, search for a design with adjustable base heights. This feature lets you lower the mattress in height as your child grows, ensuring they stay in a safe and comfortable position for longer.
A great design feature is the ability to take out cot bars in sections. This is a great way to give your baby a sense of independence when they begin to toddle, and will aid them in getting into and out of their bed with ease. For even greater flexibility Some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cosy sofa simply by removing the front of the bed.
Many cots have slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a huge difference when it comes to comfort, and can make the difference to ensure that your baby has a good night's sleep.
A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment in your baby's safety and sleeping habits. It can also be an excellent addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of beds and cots to pick from.
For each crib, you'll find an array of accessories like soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This allows you to create a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, making sure they get the best rest possible.