Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the specifications and safety features, but take into account the aesthetic too. A well-designed cot will make a room feel bigger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight This model is an excellent option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the most simple flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots, however they still provide all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They are suitable from birth, or until your toddler is ready to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be turned into a chic couch bed for older kids.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to make space for other baby items. It is also possible to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines an armoire with a changing table and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there's something to fit in every space. A lot of the designs in our roundup come with a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
It is essential to measure the space available in your nursery prior to buying a crib. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars, as this needs to be no greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, that can accommodate a standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and is fitted with a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's built to last, with a sturdy build with high-quality materials, and it's easy to alter to your baby's needs as they grow. It is more expensive than other cribs on our list, and you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the best value cot, is a ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's loaded with extra features, including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together. The mattress is included, however a second one will be required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your baby to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the best things you can do to help them get a good night's sleep is to pick a smaller cot bed with a comfy mattress. These are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your child will get a good night's rest.
These mattresses are cushioned to prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
Typically, these kinds of mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers since they provide excellent support for the neck, head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling, which many parents find to be helpful for reflux and colic.
It is important to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior purchasing a small cot. It is also possible to determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations to adhere to when purchasing mattresses for cots, such as the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot bed that will adapt to your child's needs take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially an cot, but it can be converted into an infant bed, saving you from having to purchase an entirely new bed once your baby is ready for it.
The user-friendly setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came out of the box and unfolded just like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds down without a complicated mechanism to handle. It's also small and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that is larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents at their homes.
The cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than other models in our tried and tested line-up. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if they are in a 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 have trouble with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby, it is essential to ensure that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to comply with. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into a toddler bed. Check that it is the right size for the nursery and is big enough for your child to rest comfortably. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Look for any areas of sagging which could be hazardous and then test how quickly the mattress springs back after pressing down on it. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it should feel solid.
Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choke risk. It's essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If best cot beds has a drop-side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Do not put the cot next to the heat source or a window that is sunny. It is possible that they will become too hot or wake up with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies and older children may reach out to grab cot bars or pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a premium finish This cot is well worth the cost over the cheaper alternatives. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not expensive but it'll last your child right into their toddler years and will look stunning in any nursery.
Design
It is important to remember that you'll be investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. In contrast to cribs, which are used only for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the moment a baby is born until they are able to safely move to the toddler bed or single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable base height to ensure that it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress height as your child grows, helping them stay safe and comfortable for longer.
One of the most useful features of the design is the ability to take out cot bars in sections. This will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to play and make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by taking out the front.
The slatted design of many cots is a great option for a small space also, since it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This makes a large difference in comfort and can make the difference to ensure that your baby has a restful night's sleep.
A small cot or bed is an excellent investment for your baby's sleep habits and safety, and can be an attractive addition to any nursery setting. With so many options to choose from, it's always worth the effort to explore the wide range of cots and cot beds that are available at Cuckooland to find the style that's perfect for you.
There's also a range of accessories, including baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This makes it easy to create a cozy and welcoming environment for your baby's to get the best quality sleep and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.