Buying Small Cot Beds
When you are looking for a compact cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the specifications and safety features but consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can help make a small room appear larger and less overwhelmed.
Stroller-style and extremely light This model is a great option for smaller bedrooms. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots, but they still have all the comfort and safety features your baby requires. They can be used from the time of 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 maximize your space, look for a model that fits in with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that you can easily dismantle and reassemble when you need to put in other baby items. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
There is a wide selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup and, therefore, no matter if you have a small nursery or a huge playroom there's a bed that will meet your needs. Many of the designs on our list have an adjustable mattress which helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When you are choosing a cot it is important to determine the size of your nursery and verify the dimensions to ensure it's suitable before you purchase. You should also look at the gap between the bars as this needs to be no greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, which can fit a standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and comes with a beautiful frame in the sleigh style. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also easy to adjust to your baby's growing requirements. It is more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is a ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It comes with a variety of extra features that include teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's development. It is also super easy to assemble. The mattress is included, however an additional one is required to help with the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment and one of the best things you can do to ensure an adequate night's sleep is to pick a smaller cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be firmer than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough to ensure that your baby will enjoy the rest of the night.
They are cushioned to prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals, as well as other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.
Typically, these types of mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers since they provide excellent support for neck, head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling, which parents have found to be beneficial for reflux and colic.
It is important to measure the mattress size and ensure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior purchasing a small cot. It is also possible to determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when purchasing the mattress for a cot, such as the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot bed that will grow with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It is initially a cot but can later be transformed into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to buy another bed when your baby is ready for it.
Our panel of test participants was impressed by the simple setup of this cot, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds down, with no complicated mechanisms to deal with. It is also compact and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents home.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding, and a springy bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if they are in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might have issues with it.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose is safe for your baby. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. Also, make sure best crib for newborn 's the correct size for your nursery and has enough space to provide 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. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Check for any sagging areas that could be dangerous and then test how the mattress springs back after pressing it. When you press down on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it should feel solid.
Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and other things that could pose a choking danger. Babies should be able to move around easily and roll in their sleep, so it's also important that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs could be used as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Do not put the cot next to an open radiator or a bright window. It is possible that they will become too warm or awake with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies can be strangled by these cords, and older children may climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
This cot is worth the extra cost if you want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood is sturdy. It takes a while to assemble. It's not expensive, but it will last your child through their toddler years.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're purchasing an item that will last for a long time. In contrast to cribs that are used only for a short period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from birth until a child is able to easily transition into a toddler or a single bed. To ensure that the cot you're buying will last, look out for a model that has adjustable base heights. This feature lets you lower the mattress height as your baby grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.
One of the most useful features of the design is the ability to take out the cot bars into sections. This will provide your child with the feeling of independence as they begin to play and make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by removing the front.
The slatted design of a lot of cribs is a good option for small spaces, in addition, it assists air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a significant difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby gets a restful night.
A compact cot, also known as a cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby’s security and sleep habits. It can also be an excellent addition to any nursery. With so many options to pick from, it's worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and cot beds available at Cuckooland to find a style that is suitable for your needs.
For each crib, you'll find various accessories such as soft duvets and high-end bed linen. This makes it easy to put together a cosy and warm environment for your baby to get the best possible rest and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.