Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the specifications and safety features but consider the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less overwhelmed.
This model is perfect for smaller bedrooms. 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 offer all the safety and comfort features that your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models convert into an elegant sofa bed for use with older children as well.
To maximize your space, consider the right model that will fit with your existing bedroom furniture, or one that you can easily disassemble and reassemble when you need to make room for other baby things. You may also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage, or an all-purpose design that incorporates a chest of drawers, changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there's something to fit in every space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup come with a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
It is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to purchasing a cot. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars as this needs to be no more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which takes a standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and is fitted with a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It's designed to last, with a sturdy construction with high-quality materials, and is easy to alter as your child grows. However, it's a more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll have to purchase a mattress if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a small nursery, and it's our pick of the best value cot. It's loaded with extra features such as teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to suit the baby's development. It is also super easy to assemble. It includes a mattress, however, you'll need a second to convert it into a toddler.
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 excellent night's rest is to choose a small cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be a bit firmer than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your child will have a good night's rest.
The mattresses are cushioned to help prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals, as well as other substances that could cause irritation to your baby's skin.
Typically, these types of mattresses are a great choice for side and back 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 reflux and colic.
If you are considering a crib bed with a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the size of the mattress and if it can be placed inside the cot's base. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, for instance the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot that can grow with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It is initially a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, saving you from having to buy another bed when 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 of the box and folded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds into itself without a complicated mechanism to handle. It's also compact and lightweight and fits neatly into a bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for taking it to grandparents' houses.
This cot is extremely comfy despite its size being higher than the other models in our tried-and-tested line-up. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel like they are in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy stable and safe option for side and back sleepers, though senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle with it.
Safety
For your baby's safety, it is essential to ensure whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. Also, make sure it's the right size for your nursery and has enough space for a secure sleep for your baby. It should be 140cm x 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure that the mattress is firm and laid flat inside the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Examine the mattress to determine whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should be firm and lie flat when you press down on its centre.
Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and anything else that could be a choking hazard. It's important that babies can move freely and turn over during sleep. If your cot has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Do not place a cot next to the heat source or a sunny window. They could get too warm or wake up with sunburn. It is also important to keep the cot away from wall mounted curtain cords, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies and older children might reach out to grab bars for their cot or even pull themselves up.
This cot is worth the extra expense if you want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. It's not the easiest to assemble, but the instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. hop over to here 's not cheap, but it will last through their toddler years.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's important to keep in mind that you're investing in an item that will last for a long time. In contrast to cribs, which are designed for a short time, cots are appropriate from the moment a baby is born until they can easily transition to the toddler bed or single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. 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 look out for is the capability to take off sections of cot bars. This will provide your child with an impression of independence once they start to toddle and will make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. For more 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 feature slatted designs that are perfect for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby gets a restful night.
A small cot, or the cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby's security and sleep habits. It's also an ideal addition to any nursery. With so many options to pick from, it's worth the effort to look through the entire selection of cots and beds that are available at Cuckooland to find one that is suitable for your needs.
You'll also find that various accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets made of premium bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This makes it easy to create a warm 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.