Buying Small Cot Beds
When looking for a small cot bed It's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can make smaller rooms appear larger and less clutter-filled.
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 that still provide all the safety and comfort features your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models convert to an elegant sofa bed for use with older children, too.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and reassembled in case you want to make room for other baby things. Think about online cots that is compact and has built-in storage or a multifunctional design that combines the changing unit, chest of drawers and benches into one piece of furniture.
Our list of cots for small children and cribs features a range of sizes, so there is something to fit in every space. Many of the designs on our list come with mattresses that are fitted, which helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
It's important that you take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to buying a crib. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars, as this needs to be no more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, that can accommodate a standard 120 x 60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It is constructed to last using high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also easy to adapt to your child's growing needs. However, it's a much more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll need to buy a separate mattress if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a compact nursery, and it's our pick for the best value cots. It's packed full of additional features like teething rails as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together. The mattress is included, but an additional one is required to help with the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your child to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the best ways to ensure they get a good night's sleep is to pick a smaller cot bed with a comfy mattress. These are designed to be more firm than traditional cot mattresses but are still soft enough so that your child will get the rest of the night.
The cushioning of these mattresses helps in preventing the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens chemical compounds and other substances that can cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
Typically, these kinds of mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers as they provide good support for the 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.
When choosing a small crib bed with a cushioned mattress it is essential to verify the dimensions of the mattress and if it will fit inside the cot's base. It is also possible to determine whether there are specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when buying the mattress for a cot like the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot bed that will grow with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It is initially a cot and then converts into an infant bed, saving you from the expense of buying an entirely new bed once your baby is ready for it.
The simple setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. cots 4 tots said that it "came from the box and folded like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds on itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also light and compact, fitting neatly into a bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case and ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and tested range, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child 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 issues with it.
Safety
It is crucial to ensure that the cot bed you pick is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into a toddler bed. Make sure it's the right size for the nursery and has enough space for your child to sleep safely. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Examine for any sagging areas that could be dangerous, and test to see how quickly the mattress will spring back after pressing down on it. When you press on the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it should feel solid.
Keep the cot clear of toys, stickers, and anything else which could cause choking. Babies should be able to move around easily and roll during their sleep, so it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot has a drop-side, check it often to ensure that the mechanism is secured.
Do not place your cot near a radiator or a sunny window. It is possible that they will become too hot or wake up with sunburn. Keep the cot away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. The cords could strangle infants, and older children could reach out to grab bars for their cot or even pull themselves up.
This cot is well worth the extra cost if you want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. The instructions are clear, and the wood feels solid. It takes time to put together. It's not expensive, but it'll last your child right into their toddler years and look fantastic in any nursery.
Design
It is important to remember that you're likely to invest in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs which are used only for a short period of time, cots and beds are suitable from the time the time a child is old enough to easily transition into a toddler or kids single bed. To ensure the cot you buy will last, look out for a model with adjustable heights for the base. cots and tots allows you to lower the mattress's height as your baby grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.
A great design feature is the ability to remove the cot bars into sections. This will give your child the feeling of independence as 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 removing the front.
Many cots feature slatted designs that are perfect for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a significant difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby gets a good sleep.
A compact cot, also known as a cot-bed, is a great investment in your baby's security and sleeping habits. It's also an excellent addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of beds and cots to choose from.
You'll also find that an array of accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets made of top quality bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to put together a cosy and warm environment for your baby's to get the best sleep possible and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.