Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but you should also consider the design too. A well-designed cot can make the space appear larger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight, this model is a good option for smaller bedrooms. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller 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 to move on to a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a stylish sofa bed to use with older kids.
Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to store other baby things. You might also want to think about a compact cot bed with built-in storage or multi-functional designs that combine the drawers of a chest with a changing table and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs has a range of sizes, so there is something to fit in every space. A lot of the designs in our roundup include a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
It is crucial to measure the space available in your nursery before purchasing a crib. The distance between the bars should not be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and features stunning sleigh-style frames. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also simple to adjust to your baby's changing requirements. However, it's a more expensive option than some of the other cots on our list and you'll have 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 it's our pick of the most value-for-money cots. It's stuffed with extra features, including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together too. The mattress is included, but a second one will be required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby rest comfortably. These mattresses are more rigid than the traditional cot mattress but are soft enough to ensure that your baby gets a good night's sleep.
These mattresses are cushioned to reduce the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used to make the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's delicate skin.
Typically, these mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for neck, head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built in cradling system, which many parents find to be beneficial for reflux and colic.
It is crucial to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior purchasing a small cot. best cots cots4tots.co.uk should also determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when purchasing a cot mattress including the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who are looking for an cot that can grow with their child. It is a cot that transforms into a toddler bed. This will save you the expense of buying a new bed for your child when they are ready.
Our panel of test participants 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 down without any complicated mechanisms to deal with. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that is larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting the cot to grandparents at their 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 also a sturdy stable and safe option for side and back sleepers, though the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it is essential to ensure that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into an infant bed. Also, make sure it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should be 140cm x 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat inside the cot. It can be a suffocation hazard in the event that it is soft or old, or damaged. Check for any sagging areas that could pose a danger, and test to see how quickly the mattress springs back when pressing down on it. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it will feel firm.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges, and anything else which could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able to move freely and roll over in their sleep, so it's important that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop side check it frequently to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
Do not place a cot next to an open radiator or a window that is sunny. It is possible that they will become too hot or awake with sunburn. Also, keep your cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can be strangled by these cords, while older children could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.
This cot is definitely worth the extra money If you're looking for an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. It's a bit laborious to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not cheap however it will keep your child safe through their toddler years and will look fantastic in any nursery.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're likely purchasing something that will last for years. Unlike cribs, which are only used for a brief period of time, cots are suitable from the moment a baby is born until they are able to easily transition to an adult bed or a single bed. To ensure that the crib you're buying will last, look out for a model that has adjustable base heights. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's growing needs, while keeping them secure and comfortable.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of the cot bars. This will provide your child with a sense of independence when they begin to crawl and will make it easier for them to get into and out of bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa simply by removing the front.
Many cots have slatted designs that are perfect for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and help ensure that your baby has an enjoyable sleep.
A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment in your baby's security and sleep habits. It can also be a lovely addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to choose from.
There's also a range of accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and high-end bed linen are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to create a warm and warm environment for your baby to get the best sleep possible and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.