Small Cot Beds: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Buying Small Cot Beds
When you are looking for a compact cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features but consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can make smaller rooms appear larger and less overwhelmed.
Stroller-style and extremely light, this model is a great choice for smaller bedrooms. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots, but they still have all the comfort and safety features your baby deserves. 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 can be transformed into a stylish sofa bed to use with older kids.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt when you need to make room for other baby items. You may also want to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or multi-functional designs that combine a chest of drawers, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
You can find a wide range of sizes in our cots for small spaces and cribs roundup and, therefore, regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there's a bed that will suit your space. A lot of the cribs that we have listed come with an adjustable mattress which helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
When choosing a cot, it is important to take measurements of the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to ensure it's suitable before purchasing. It is also important to consider the space between the bars since this needs to be no more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, which can fit the standard 120 x 60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also easy to adapt to your child's increasing requirements. It's more expensive than other cribs on our list, and you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick for the most value-for-money cots. It comes with a variety of extra features such as teething rails. There are also two height positions that can be adjusted to fit the growth of your baby. It's also easy to put together. The mattress is included, but a second one is required to help with the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Pick a small cot that has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep well. These mattresses are more rigid than traditional cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest.
These mattresses are cushioned to help prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used to make the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's sensitive skin.
Typically, these mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for the neck as well as the head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling, which parents have found to be beneficial for colic and reflux.
When selecting a cot bed with a cushioned mattress, it's important to check the dimensions of the mattress and if it can be placed inside the cot's base. It is also possible to determine whether there are specific rules and regulations to follow when purchasing the mattress for a cot including the minimum thickness.
If you're in search of an cot that can grow with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's a cot which transforms into an infant bed. This can save you the cost of buying an additional bed for your child once they are ready.
The simple setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came from the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down without any complicated mechanisms to work with. It is also compact and light, fitting in a carry case that is larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents at their homes.
This cot is extremely comfortable despite being bigger than the other models in our tried-and tested collection. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy and stable choice for side and back sleepers, though senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle 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's converted into an infant bed. Verify that it's appropriate for the nursery and has enough space for your child to be safe. cot beds for sale should be at minimum 140cm by 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. 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 good quality cot mattress should feel firm and lie flat when you press it down on the centre of it.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choke risk. Babies should be able to move freely and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's also important that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure you check it regularly to make sure the mechanism is secured.
Do not place the cot next to a radiator or a bright window. It could become too warm or awake with sunburn. You should also keep the cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these, and older children could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.
This cot is worth the extra expense If you're looking for an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. The instructions are clear, and the wood feels sturdy. It takes some time to assemble. It'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. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a short period of time, cots are appropriate from the moment a baby is born until they can safely transition to the toddler bed or single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure that it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height to accommodate your child's growth, keeping them secure and comfortable.
A great design feature is the ability to take out cot bars in sections. This is a great way to give your child a sense of independence once they begin walking around, and can assist them in and out of their bed easily. To make it even more flexible the cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cozy sofa by taking the front off of the bed.
Many cots come with slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a big difference in terms of comfort and will ensure that your baby gets a good sleep.
A small cot or bed is an excellent investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an attractive design element to any nursery. With so many designs available to choose from, it's always worth taking the time to explore the wide range of cots and beds on offer at Cuckooland to find one that suits you.
You'll also find that various accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets with high-end bed linen are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to create a warm and comfortable environment for your baby to get the best possible rest, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.