The Most Worst Nightmare About Small Cot Beds Get Real
Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to focus on the safety features and specifications when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help make a small room appear larger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight this model is a good option for smaller bedrooms. It's also the simplest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still provide all the safety and comfort features that your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready for an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a chic couch bed for older kids.
To help you maximize your space, look for the right model that will fit with the furniture in your bedroom or one that you can easily dismantle and reassemble if you need to accommodate other baby objects. You may also want to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage or multi-functional designs that combine the drawers of a chest, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there is something for every space. A lot of the cribs on our list come with a fitted mattress that helps 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 cot. The gap between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which takes an average 120 x 60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh-style frame. It's built to last, with a solid construction with high-quality materials, and is easy to alter as your baby grows. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to purchase a mattress if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the best value cot. It comes with a variety of extra features such as teething rails. There are also two height positions that can be adjusted to suit the growth of your baby. It's also easy to put together. The mattress is included, however another one is required for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your child to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the best ways to ensure an adequate night's sleep is to choose a small cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are more rigid than the traditional cot mattress but are soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night sleep.
The cushioning of these mattresses helps in preventing heat retention, which may cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of irritants and chemical so that they won't disturb your baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers, as they offer adequate 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 essential to determine the size of the mattress and ensure that it fits in the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. You should also determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations you need to follow when purchasing mattresses for cots including the minimum thickness.
If you're in search of an cot that can expand with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It's a cot that transforms into a toddler bed. This can save you the expense of purchasing a new bed for your child when they are ready.
Our panel of testers enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds into itself without a complicated mechanism to work with. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting the cot to grandparents at their homes.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried and tested range, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It's made to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's also a sturdy and stable choice for side and back sleepers, but senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.
Safety
For your baby's safety, it's essential to verify whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into a toddler bed. Verify that it's appropriate for the nursery and has enough space for your child to be safe. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is level and firm. It could be a suffocation hazard in the event that it is soft, old, or damaged. Test the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A high-quality cot mattress should feel solid and flat when you press down on the centre of it.
Keep the cot free of any toys, stickers and other things that could be a choking danger. It is essential that babies move around freely and roll over while they sleep. If your cot has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Avoid placing the cot next to the heat source or a sunny window. It could become too hot or wake up with sunburn. You should also keep the cot away from wall mounted curtain cords or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, while older children could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
This cot is definitely worth the extra cost if you want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not expensive, but it will last until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
It's important to keep in mind that you're likely to invest in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. In contrast to cribs, which are designed for a brief period of time, cots are appropriate from the moment a baby is born until they can easily transition to the toddler bed or single bed. Choose cot bed sales with an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you lower the mattress in height to suit your baby's development, ensuring they are secure and comfortable.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. This will give your child a sense of independence when they begin to crawl and will make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.
The slatted design of a lot of cots is an excellent choice for a small space in addition, it assists air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This is a significant difference when it comes to comfort, and could make the difference to ensure your baby gets a good night's sleep.
A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby's safety and sleeping habits. It's also an excellent addition to any nursery. With so many options to choose from, it's worth taking the time to explore the wide range of cots and cot beds available at Cuckooland to find a style that is suitable for your needs.
For each crib, you'll find an array of accessories like soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This will allow you to create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they have the best sleep possible.