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 take into account the aesthetic too. A well-designed cot will make a room feel bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and extremely light, this model is a great choice for smaller bedrooms. It's also the most simple flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots, but they still have all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children as well.
To help you maximize your space, choose a model that fits in with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that can easily dismantle and reassemble when you want to make room for other baby things. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a benches into one piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there's something to fit in every space. A lot of the cribs on our list come with an adjustable mattress, which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
When selecting a cot, it is essential to determine the size of your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to ensure it's suitable before making your purchase. The distance between the bars should not be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot that can accommodate a standard 120x60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It is built to last with quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also easy to adapt to your child's changing needs. It's more expensive than other cribs on our list, and you'll have to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a small nursery, and it's our pick of the best value cots. It has a lot of extra features, including teething rails. There are also two height positions that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. It's also easy to assemble. It includes a mattress, but you'll need to buy another one for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has a comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep well. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night's sleep.
They are cushioned to prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's sensitive skin.
Typically, these types of mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers since they provide excellent support for the neck as well as the head and body. They can be used together with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which is beneficial for reflux or colic.
When choosing a small crib bed with cushions it is essential to verify the dimensions of the mattress as well as whether it will fit into the base of the cot. It is also possible to determine whether there are specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when purchasing mattresses for cots like the minimum thickness.
The adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who want a cot that grows with their child. It's a cot that transforms into an infant bed. This can save you the cost of buying a new bed for your child when they are ready.
The user-friendly setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and folded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap in place, and the cot folds into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also light and compact and can easily fit into a bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case, and is ideal for taking it to grandparents' houses.
The cot is extremely comfortable despite being bigger than other models from our tried-and tested range. It's made to feel like an actual mattress and has plenty of padding and a bouncy base that carries weight without making your baby feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it's essential to verify whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to meet. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to transform it into a toddler's bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough room for a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is level and firm. It could pose an entrapment hazard when it is squishy or worn out. Examine the mattress to determine whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots should feel firm and lie flat when you press down on the middle of it.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other items that could be a choking danger. It is essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If your cot is equipped with a drop-side, check it regularly to make sure the mechanism is secured.
Do not place your cot near a radiator or a bright window. They could get too hot or wake up with sunburn. Also, keep the cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, and older children may pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
This cot is worth the extra money for those who want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood is sturdy. It takes a while to put together. It's not expensive, but it'll last your child right into their toddler years and will look fantastic in any nursery.
Design
It is important to remember that you'll be investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a short time, cots are appropriate from the moment a baby is born until they are able to easily transition to the toddler bed or single bed. To ensure that the cot you buy will last, search for a design with adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you lower the mattress's height as your baby grows, helping them stay in a safe and comfortable position for longer.
A great design feature is the ability to remove the cot bars into sections. This will provide your child with an impression of independence once they begin to crawl and will make it easier to help them get into and out of bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by removing the front.
The slatted style of many cots is a great option for a small space too, as it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and will ensure that your baby gets a good sleep.
A small cot, or bed for cots, is a fantastic investment in your baby's security and sleep habits. It can also be a lovely addition to any nursery. With cots to tots to choose from, it's worth taking the time to look through the entire selection of cots and cot beds available at Cuckooland to find the style that suits you.
For each crib, you'll find an array of accessories, including soft duvets and high-end bed linen. This will allow you to create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they get the best rest possible.