Small Cot Beds: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Buying Small Cot Beds
When looking for a small cot bed It's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features but consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed cot can help make your room appear bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight this model is an excellent option for smaller bedrooms. It's also the easiest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the safety and comfort features that your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models can be transformed into a chic couch bed for older kids.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to make space for other baby things. You might also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines the drawers of a chest, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
There is a wide range of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup and, therefore, whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's something to suit your space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup come with an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.
It's important that you take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to buying a cot. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars as this needs to be no more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, that can accommodate an average 120x60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It's designed to last, with a solid construction and quality materials, and it's easy to alter to your baby's needs as they grow. It's more expensive than other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a small nursery, and it's our pick of the most affordable cots. It's packed full of additional features like teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together too. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy an additional one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
Choose a small cot with an easy mattress. This will help your baby sleep comfortably. They are more firm than traditional cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure that your child gets a good night's rest.
The mattress's cushioning helps in preventing heat retention, which can cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used to make the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's delicate skin.
Typically, these mattresses are also a good choice for side and back sleepers as they provide good support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized together with the built-in cradle in a cot, which can be beneficial for reflux or colic.
It is crucial to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior to buying a cot that is small. You should also determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when purchasing the mattress for a cot like the minimum thickness.
If you're in search of a cot bed that can expand with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially a cot but can later be transformed into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from the expense of buying an entirely new bed once your child is ready for it.
The user-friendly configuration of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came from the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds into itself without any complicated mechanisms to work with. It is also compact and light, fitting in a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents' homes.
Despite being larger than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel as a mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're in the bouncer. It's also a solid, stable option for both back and side sleepers, however the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select is safe for your baby. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to transform it into a toddler's bed. You should also check that it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough space to provide a safe sleep for your baby. It should be at minimum 140cm by 70cm, and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Look for any sagging areas that could pose a danger and test how the mattress will spring back after pressing on it. When you press on the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.
Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choking hazard. It is essential that babies move freely and turn over as they sleep. If your crib has a drop-side, inspect it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
Avoid placing the cot next to a radiator or a bright window. They could get too warm or wake up with sunburn. via should also keep your cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. Babies can be strangled by these, and older children may pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.
This cot is well worth the extra expense If you're looking for a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels solid. It takes time to put together. It's not cheap, but it will last your child until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that you're likely to invest in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a small bed. Contrary to cribs , which are utilized for a limited period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from the time a child is able to easily transition into the toddler or single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable height base to ensure it will last. This feature allows you lower the mattress in height to suit your baby's growing needs, while keeping them safe and comfortable.
A useful design feature is the ability to take out cot bars in sections. This is a great way to give your baby a sense of independence once they begin playing, and can help them get in and out of their bed quickly. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by removing the front.
Many cots feature slatted designs that are perfect for small 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 can help ensure that your baby gets a restful night.
A small cot or cot bed is an excellent investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be a beautiful accessory to any nursery. With so many styles to choose from, it's worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and beds that are available at Cuckooland to find one that suits you.
For each cot, there's an array of accessories, including soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This allows you to create a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, ensuring they get the best rest possible.