Buying Small Cot Beds
When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but you should also consider the design too. A well-designed cot will make a room feel bigger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style and extremely light this model is an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but they still have all the comfort and safety features your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models convert to an elegant sofa bed for use with older children, too.
To make the most of your space, consider a model that fits in with your existing bedroom furniture, or one that you can easily dismantle and reassemble if you want to accommodate other baby objects. You might also want to think about a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or multi-functional designs that combine a chest of drawers as well as a changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
There is a wide selection 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 something to meet your needs. Many of the designs in our roundup include a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.
It's important that you measure the space available in your nursery prior to purchasing a crib. The gap between the bars should be no greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which takes an average 120 x 60cm mattress, and is fitted with a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's built to last with a solid construction and high-quality materials, and is easy to adjust as your baby grows. It is more expensive than the other cots in our list and you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a small nursery, and is our choice of the best value cot. It's loaded with extra features, including teething rails. There are also two height positions that can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's growth. It's also easy to put together. The mattress is included, however another one is required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. 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 traditional cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure your child has a comfortable night sleep.
The cushioning on these mattresses can also help to reduce the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers as they provide adequate support for neck, head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built in cradling, which many parents find to be helpful for colic and reflux.
When choosing a small mattress cot bed that has a cushioned mattress, it's important to check the size of the mattress and whether it will fit inside the cot's base. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, such as a minimum thickness.
This adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who are looking for a cot that grows with their child. It starts out as an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to buy a new bed when your child is ready for it.
The user-friendly setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came out of the box and unfolded just like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot collapses into itself. There are view publisher site complicated mechanisms required. It's also light and compact and fits neatly into a bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for taking it to grandparents' homes.
Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're in the bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have a problem with it.
Safety
It's vital to ensure that the cot you pick is safe for your child. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into a toddler bed. Check that it is the right size for the nursery and is big enough for your child to sleep safely. It should be 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Examine the mattress to determine whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. If you press the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it should feel firm.
Keep the cot free of any toys, stickers and other things that could be a choking danger. It is essential that babies move around freely and roll over while they sleep. If your crib has a drop side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
It's recommended to avoid placing a cot near an open window or a radiator, as they could get too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Keep the cot away from cords on wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, and older children may get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
This cot is well worth the extra cost for those who want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels sturdy. It takes some time to assemble. It's not expensive, but it will last your child through their toddler years.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's important to keep in mind that you're investing in an item that will last for a long time. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a short period of time, cots and beds are suitable from the time the time when a child can safely transition into a toddler or a single bed. To ensure the cot you're buying will last, search for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height as your child grows, making sure they are in a safe and comfortable position for longer.
A great design feature is the ability to remove the cot bars into sections. This is an excellent way to provide your baby a sense of independence once they begin toddle, and will help them get in and out of their bed easily. To make it even more flexible Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by removing the front of the bed.
Many cots come with slatted designs that are perfect for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This is a significant difference in comfort, and can make the difference to ensure your baby gets a good night's sleep.
A compact cot, also known as a the cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby's security and sleeping habits. It's also a lovely addition to any nursery. With so many options to choose from, it's worth taking the time to explore the wide range of cots and cots on offer at Cuckooland to find one that suits you.
For each crib, you'll find a variety of accessories like soft duvets, plus premium bed linen. This will allow you to create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, making sure they get the best rest possible.