Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed It's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features, but take into account the aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can help 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 also the simplest flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still offer all the security and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models can be transformed into a chic couch bed for older children.
Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and reassembled when you need to make room for other baby items. You may also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage or an all-purpose design that incorporates a chest of drawers with a changing table and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
There's a broad range of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there's something to suit your space. Many of the designs on our list have mattresses that are fitted which helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
When selecting a cot, it is important to determine the size of your nursery and verify the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before purchasing. The distance between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It is also easy to adjust to your baby's growing requirements. It is more expensive than the other cots in our list and you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a compact nursery, and it's our pick for the best value cots. It has a lot of extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. It's also easy to put together. The mattress is included, but an additional one will be required to help with the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment and one of the best things you can do to help them get an adequate night's sleep is to choose a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These are designed to be more firm than a traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your child will have a good night's rest.
The cushioning on these mattresses helps in preventing the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of irritants and chemical so that they won't disturb your baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a good option for side and back sleepers, since they provide excellent support for the head, neck and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built in cradling, which many parents find to be helpful in cases of colic and reflux.
It is important to measure the mattress size and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. Find out if nursery cots is subject to any specific rules or regulations, for instance the minimum thickness.
If you're in search of an cot bed that will expand with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It is a cot that converts to an infant bed. This can save you the expense of buying an entirely new bed for your child when they are ready.
The user-friendly setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came from the box and unfolded just like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down, with no complicated mechanisms to work with. It's also small and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents' homes.
Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It's made to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that carries weight without making your baby feel like they're in the 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 essential to ensure that the cot you choose is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into an infant bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough space for a secure sleeping environment for your child. It should be 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat inside the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could create a risk of suffocation. Check the mattress to see if it springs back quickly after pressing. When you press on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it will feel firm.
Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and anything else that could cause choking. It's essential that babies move around freely and roll over during sleep. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure you check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Avoid placing a cot next to an open radiator or a bright window. It could become too warm or wake up with sunburn. Keep the cot away from cords on wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these, and older children may climb up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.
This cot is well worth the extra money if you want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. The instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It takes time to assemble. It's not cheap however it will last your child right into their toddler years and will look fantastic in any nursery.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, you need to keep in mind that you're investing in an item that will last for a long time. In contrast to cribs, which are used only for a short time, cots can be used from the moment a baby is born until they are able to safely move to a toddler bed or kids single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable height base to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you lower the mattress in height as your child grows, ensuring they stay safe and comfortable for longer.
A great design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This is a great way to give your child a sense of independence when they begin to playing, and can help them get in and out of their bed with ease. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.
Many cots come with slatted designs which are ideal for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This makes a large difference in comfort, and can make the difference to ensure your baby gets a good night's sleep.
A small cot or bed is a fantastic investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an attractive accessory to any nursery. With so many styles to choose from, it's worth taking the time to look through the entire selection of cots and cots available at Cuckooland to find a style that's perfect for you.
There's also an array of accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This lets you create a an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, making sure they get the best rest possible.