Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed It's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but take into account the design too. A well-designed cot will make a room feel bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight This model is an excellent option for smaller bedrooms. It's also the most simple flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still offer all the security and comfort 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 convert to a stylish sofa bed for use with older children too.
Look for cot beds for sale which can be easily dismantled, then reassembled in case you want to make space for other baby items. You might also want to think about a compact cot bed that has built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines an armoire as well as a changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
You can find a wide variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's a bed that will suit your space. Many of the designs in our roundup come with a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
When choosing a cot, it is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before purchasing. You should also look at the gap between the bars, as it should not be more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, that can accommodate the standard 120x60cm mattress and features a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It's built to last with quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also easy to adapt to your child's increasing requirements. However, it's a much more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a small nursery, and it's our pick for the most affordable cot. It's packed full of additional features like teething rails as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together too. The mattress is included, but another one will be needed to help with the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep well. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep.
These 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 allergens chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
These mattresses are a good alternative for back and side sleepers as they provide good support for the head, neck and body. These mattresses can be utilized together with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which can be beneficial for reflux or colic.
It is important to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it fits in the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. Find out if the cot mattress has any particular rules or regulations, for instance a minimum thickness.
The adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who are looking for a cot that grows with their child. It's a cot which transforms into an infant bed. This saves you the expense of purchasing an entirely new bed for your child when they are ready.
The simple setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came out of the box and was unfolded like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot then collapses over itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and light, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. linked webpage makes it perfect for transporting this cot to grandparents at their homes.
Despite being heavier 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 bouncy bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel like they are in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
It is crucial to ensure that the cot you select is safe for your child. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to convert it into a toddler's bed. Also, make sure it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough room for a safe sleep for your baby. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is level and firm. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Check for any areas of sagging which could be hazardous, and test to see how the mattress springs back after pressing it. If you press the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.
Keep the cot free of any toys, stickers and anything else that could be a danger to choking. It's important that babies can move around freely and roll over as they sleep. If your cot has drop-sides, be sure to check them often to ensure that the mechanism is secure.
It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot near a radiator or sunny window because they may get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Keep the cot away from wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Babies could be strangled by these, and older children could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
This cot is definitely worth the extra expense for those who want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's not the easiest to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not cheap, but it'll last until their toddler years and will look fantastic in any nursery.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's important to remember that you're likely investing in a long-term piece of furniture. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a short period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from birth until the time when a child can easily transition into a toddler or a single bed. To ensure that the cot you purchase will last, look for a design with adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's height to fit your baby's growth, keeping them secure and comfortable.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye for is the ability to remove sections of cot bars. This will give your child the feeling of independence as they start to toddle and make it easier for them to get into and out of the bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa simply by removing the front.
Many cots feature slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a significant difference in the quality of sleep and can help ensure that your baby gets a restful night.
A compact cot, also known as a cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby’s safety and sleeping habits. It's also a lovely addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to choose from.
You'll also find that various accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to create a warm and comfortable environment for your baby to enjoy the best quality sleep and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.