Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small 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 a room feel bigger and less cluttered.
This model is ideal for bedrooms with small spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the most simple flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still provide all the safety and comfort features that your baby requires. They can be used from birth, or until your toddler is old enough to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be turned into a stylish couch bed for older kids.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled and reassembled in the event that you need to store other baby items. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our list of cots for small children and cribs includes a variety of sizes, meaning there's something to fit in every space. A lot of the cribs on our list have an adjustable mattress that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
It is essential to determine the size of your nursery prior to purchasing a crib. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars, as this should not be more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, which can fit a standard 120x60cm mattress and features a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It is built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also easy to adapt to your baby's growing needs. However, it's a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to purchase a mattress in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a compact nursery, and is our choice of the best value cots. It's loaded with extra features, including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's super-easy to put together. The mattress is included, however another one is required to help with the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your baby to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial ways 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 a bit firmer than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your child will get an enjoyable night's sleep.
They are cushioned to help prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort in certain babies. Baby beds cots4tots used in the mattress are free of allergens chemical compounds and other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.
These mattresses are a great alternative for back and side sleepers, as they offer adequate support for the neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized in conjunction with the built-in cradle of a cot, which can be beneficial for reflux or colic.
When choosing a small mattress cot bed that has cushions it is important to determine the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit inside the base of the cot. You should also determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations you need to follow when purchasing the mattress for a cot, such as the minimum thickness.
If you're in search of an cot that can grow with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's a cot that transforms into a toddler bed. This can save you the cost 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 stated that it "came out of the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot then collapses on itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and light, fitting in a carry case that is larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents' homes.
This cot is extremely comfy despite being bigger than other models from our tried and tested line-up. 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 as if they are in a bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may be a bit uncomfortable with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby, it's important to check that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to comply with. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into a toddler bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide a safe sleep for your little one. It should be 140cm by 70cm, and not have any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. It could pose dangerous to suffocate when it is squishy, old, or damaged. Check for any areas of sagging which could be hazardous and test how the mattress springs back after pressing on it. A high-quality mattress for cots should feel firm and lie flat when you press it down on its centre.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choke danger. It's important that babies can move around freely and roll over during sleep. If your cot has a drop side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Avoid placing a cot next to an open radiator or a bright window. It is possible that they will become too warm or wake up with sunburn. You should also keep your cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. The cords could strangle infants and older children may reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a premium finish, this cot is worth the extra investment over cheaper alternatives. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not expensive, but it will last your child through their toddler years.
Design
It's important to keep in mind that you'll be investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs which are used only for a short period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from the time the time a child is old enough to easily transition into a toddler or a single bed. To ensure that the cot you purchase will last, look for a design with adjustable base heights. This feature lets you lower the mattress height as your child grows, helping them stay in a safe and comfortable position for longer.
Another important feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. This will give your child the feeling of independence as they begin to crawl 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 also be converted into a cozy sofa by taking off the front of the bed.
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 could make the difference to ensure that your baby has a good night's sleep.
A small cot or cot bed is a great investment for your baby's sleep habits and security, and is a beautiful design element to any nursery. With so many styles to choose from, it's always worth the effort to explore the wide range of cots and beds that are available at Cuckooland to find a style that's perfect for you.
For each cot, there's a variety of accessories, including soft duvets, plus premium bed linen. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they are getting the best quality sleep possible.