Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to focus on the safety and features when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less overwhelmed.
This model is ideal for bedrooms with small spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots however, they still offer 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 convert to a stylish sofa bed for use with older children as well.
Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and reassembled in case you want to make room for other baby things. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates the changing unit, chest of drawers and benches into one piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, meaning there's something to fit in every space. A majority of the designs on our list come with a fitted mattress, which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
It's important that you take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to buying a crib. The distance between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, which can fit an average 120 x 60cm mattress, and features a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's built to last with a sturdy construction and quality materials, and it's simple to adjust as your child grows. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is a excellent option for a small nursery. It's loaded with additional features like teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together. The mattress is included, but another one is required for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleep environment and one of the most beneficial options to ensure they get an excellent night's rest is to pick a smaller crib bed with a comfortable mattress. They are more firm than traditional cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure your baby gets a good night's rest.
The mattresses are cushioned to help prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's delicate skin.
Typically, these types of mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers as they provide good support for the neck and head as well as body. They can also be used with the cot's built in cradling feature, which many parents find to be helpful in cases of colic and reflux.
It is important to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior buying a cot that is small. It is also possible to determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations to follow when purchasing a cot mattress including the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot that can adapt to your child's needs take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's a cot which converts to a toddler bed. This saves you the expense of purchasing an entirely new bed for your child when they are ready.
The easy-to-use setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came out of the box and was unfolded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds into itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also small and lightweight, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents at their homes.
This cot is extremely comfy despite its size being higher than other models from our tried-and-tested line-up. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that absorbs the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could be a bit uncomfortable with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it's important to check that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. Make sure it's the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should measure 140cm by 70cm, and not have any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure Baby Crib www.cots4tots.co.uk is firm and sits flat inside the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Examine the mattress to determine whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. If you press the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it should feel firm.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able move around easily and roll in their sleep, so it's also important that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
Do not put a cot next to the heat source or a bright window. It could become too hot or awake with sunburn. You should also keep your cot away from wall mounted curtain cords, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, while older children may get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
This cot is well worth the extra expense If you're looking for a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. The instructions are clear and the wood is solid. It takes a while to assemble. It's not cheap but it will last until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's crucial to keep in mind that you're purchasing a long-term piece of furniture. Unlike cribs, which are used only for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the moment a child is born until they're able to safely transition to an adult bed or a single bed. To ensure that the cot you're buying will last, search for a design with adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's growth, keeping them safe and comfy.
A useful design feature is the capability to remove the cot bars into sections. This is an excellent way to give your baby a sense of independence when they begin to walking around, and can assist them in and out of their bed with ease. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by taking out the front.
The slatted style of many cots is a great option for a small space in addition, it assists air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This makes a large difference when it comes to comfort and can make all the difference in trying to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.
A small cot or bed is a great investment for your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an attractive addition to any nursery setting. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to pick from.
For each cot, you'll find various accessories, including soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This makes it easy to create a warm and comfortable environment for your baby to get the best possible rest and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.