Buying Small Cot Beds
When you are looking for a compact cot bed It's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed cot will make the space appear larger and less cluttered.
This model is ideal for smaller bedrooms. It's light and stroller-style. 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 requires. 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 into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children as well.
To make the most of your space, look for the right model that will fit with your existing bedroom furniture, or one that you can easily take apart and reassemble when you want to put in other baby objects. You might also want to consider a compact cot bed with 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.
There is a wide variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup and, therefore, regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there's a bed that will meet your needs. Many of the designs on our list have a fitted mattress that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When selecting a cot, it is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before you purchase. The gap between the bars should not be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, that can accommodate a standard 120x60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame in the sleigh style. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. 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 when you pick this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a small nursery, and is our choice of the most affordable cots. It's loaded with additional features like teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together too. The mattress is included, but an additional one is required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleep environment and one of the best options to ensure an excellent night's rest is to select a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. They are more firm than the traditional cot mattress however they are soft enough to ensure your child has a comfortable night sleep.
The mattress's cushioning also helps to prevent heat retention, which can cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants chemical compounds and 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 great support for neck as well as the head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling feature, which many parents find to be beneficial for colic and reflux.
It is essential to determine the size of the mattress and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. You can also find out whether there are specific rules and regulations you need to follow when purchasing mattresses for cots including the minimum thickness.
If you're in search of an cot bed that will adapt to your child's needs, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to purchase an entirely new bed once your baby is ready to use it.
Our test panel enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down, with no complicated mechanisms to work with. It's also compact and light, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot from grandparents' homes.
This cot is extremely comfy despite being bigger than the other models in our tried-and tested range. It is designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel as if they are in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might be a bit uncomfortable with it.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to transform it into a toddler's bed. You should also check that it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough space to provide a safe sleep for your baby. It should be 140cm x 70cm and have no gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is firm and laid flat in the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Examine for any sagging areas that could pose a danger, and test to see how quickly the mattress springs back after pressing down on it. A high-quality cot mattress should feel firm and lie flat when you press down on the centre of it.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and other things that could pose a choke risk. Babies must be able to move easily and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's essential that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot is equipped with a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secured.
It's recommended to avoid placing a cot close to an open window or a radiator, as they could get too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Also, keep the cot away from wall mounted curtain cords, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. cots to tots could be strangled by these, and older babies could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.
This cot is well worth the extra expense for those who want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels solid. It takes some time to put together. It's not expensive, but it will last your child into their toddler years.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, you need to remember that you're investing in an item that will last for a long time. Unlike cribs which are used only for a brief period of time, cots and beds are suitable from birth until a child is able to safely transition to the toddler or single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable height base to ensure that it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height to fit your baby's development, ensuring they are secure and comfortable.
A great design feature is the capability to remove the cot bars into sections. This is an excellent way to give your baby a sense of independence once they begin toddle, and will help them get in and out of their bed easily. For even greater flexibility Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by taking off the front of the bed.
Many cots come with slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby enjoys a restful night.
A small cot or bed is a great investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an excellent accessory to any nursery. With so many options to pick from, it's always worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and cots available at Cuckooland to find a style that's perfect for you.
For each cot, you'll find an array of accessories, including soft duvets and premium bed linen. This makes it simple to create a warm and welcoming environment for your baby's to get the best possible rest and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.