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 aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style, and quite light This model is a great option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots, however they still provide all the comfort and safety features your baby deserves. They are suitable from birth or until your toddler is able to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be turned into a chic couch bed for older children.
Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and reassembled when you need to make space for other baby items. It is also possible to think about a compact cot bed with built-in storage or multi-functional designs that combine the drawers of a chest, changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs has a range of sizes, meaning there's something to fit in every space. A majority of the designs on our list have a fitted mattress that helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
It's important that you determine the size of your nursery before purchasing a crib. The distance between the bars should be no greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has stunning sleigh-style frames. It's designed to last, with a sturdy construction and quality materials, and is easy to alter as your child grows. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a smaller nursery and is our choice of the best value cot. It comes with a variety of extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's growth. It is also super easy to put together. The mattress is included, but another one will be required for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment and one of the most beneficial options to ensure an excellent night's rest is to pick a smaller cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be firmer than traditional cot mattresses but are still soft enough so that your baby will enjoy a good night's rest.
These mattresses are cushioned to reduce the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens and chemicals, as well as other substances that could cause irritation to your baby's skin.
Typically, these kinds of mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers as they provide good support for the neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized in conjunction with the built-in cradle in the cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.
When choosing a small mattress cot bed that has a cushioned mattress it is essential to verify the dimensions of the mattress as well as whether it will fit inside the cot's base. It is also possible to determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying mattresses for cots including the 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's a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed. This saves you the expense of buying an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.
Our panel of test participants loved this cot's easy setup The mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap in place, and the cot folds into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting neatly into a carry bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel as if they are in the bouncer. It's also a solid stable and safe option for back and side sleepers though senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.
Safety
For your baby's safety, it is essential to ensure that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to meet. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into an infant bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the correct size for your nursery and offers enough space for a secure sleep for your little one. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Check for any areas of sagging that could pose a danger and test how quickly the mattress springs back when pressing it. When you press down on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress it should feel firm.
Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choking hazard. It's essential that babies move around freely and roll over as they sleep. If cheap cot beds has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.
Avoid placing your cot near an open radiator or a bright window. It is possible that they will become too warm or wake up with sunburn. It is also important to keep the cot away from wall mounted curtain cords or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children might reach out to grab bars for their cot or pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a top-quality finish This cot is well worth the cost over other cheaper options. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap but it will last until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
It is important to remember that you'll be investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a small bed. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a short time, cots are appropriate from the moment a baby is born until they can safely move to an adult bed or a single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure that it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to fit your baby's growth, keeping them secure and comfortable.
A useful design feature is the ability to remove the cot bars into sections. This will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to play and will make it easier for them to get into and out of bed. For even greater flexibility Some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cosy sofa simply by taking the front off of the bed.
The slatted design of many cots is an excellent choice for small spaces, also, since it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and can help ensure that your baby gets a restful night.
A small cot or bed is an excellent investment for your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an attractive design element to any nursery. With so many designs available to choose from, it's worth the effort to look through the entire selection of cots and beds available at Cuckooland to find one that's perfect for you.
For each cot, you'll find a variety of accessories, including soft duvets and high-end bedding. This will allow you to create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby, making sure they get the best rest possible.