Buying Small Cot Beds
When you are looking for a compact cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features but consider the design too. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less overwhelmed.
Stroller-style, and quite light This model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the simplest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the security and comfort features your baby deserves. They are suitable from birth, or until your toddler is ready to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a stylish sofa bed to use with older kids.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to make room for other baby things. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that incorporates the changing unit, chest of drawers and benches into one piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs has a range of sizes, meaning there's something to fit in every space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup include a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
It's important that you take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to purchasing a cot. Also, you should consider the space between the bars since it should not be greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which can fit an average 120 x 60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last with a solid construction with high-quality materials, and is easy to alter as your child grows. However, it's a much more expensive option than the other cots on our list, and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is a great option for a compact nursery. 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 super-easy to put together. The mattress is included, however another one will be needed to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
Pick a small cot that has an easy mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. These are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your child will get an enjoyable night's sleep.
The cushioning of these mattresses can also help to reduce the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's delicate skin.
These mattresses are a good option for back and side sleepers, as they offer excellent support for the neck, head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built in cradling feature, which parents have found to be beneficial for reflux and colic.
When choosing a small crib bed with a cushioned mattress, it's important to check the size of the mattress and if it can be placed inside the cot's base. You can also find out whether there are specific rules and regulations to adhere to when purchasing mattresses for cots, such as the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It is a cot that transforms into an infant bed. This will save you the cost of buying a new bed for your child when they are ready.
The user-friendly configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came from the box and folded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds into itself, with no complicated mechanisms to work with. It's also small and light, 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' homes.
The cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than other models in our tried-and tested collection. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's also a solid and stable choice for back and side sleepers, but senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.
Safety
For your baby's safety, it is essential to ensure that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. Also, make sure it's the right size for your nursery and has enough space for a secure sleeping environment for your child. 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 firm and lies flat in the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Check for any sagging areas that could be dangerous and test how the mattress springs back when pressing it. A good quality mattress for cots should feel firm and flat when you press it down on the middle of it.
Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and other things that could be a choking hazard. It is essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate while they sleep. If your cot has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.
Do not put the cot next to an open radiator or a bright window. They could get too hot or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords on wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other accessories with long cords. Babies can be strangled by these, and older babies could climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
This cot is well worth the extra expense if you want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's not the easiest to put together but the directions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. 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 are likely investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a small bed. In contrast to cribs that are used for a limited period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from the time the time a child is old enough to safely transition to the toddler or single bed. To ensure that the cot you're buying will last, look out for a model with adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your child grows, making sure they are safe and comfortable for longer.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the capability to take sections of the cot bars. This will provide your child with the feeling of independence as they begin to play and make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. 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.
The slatted design of a lot of cots is an excellent choice for small spaces, also, since it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This is a significant difference when it comes to comfort and can make the difference to ensure that your child gets an adequate night's rest.
A small cot or cot bed is a great investment for your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an attractive addition to any nursery setting. With so many options to choose from, it's worth taking the time to look through the entire selection of cots and beds available at Cuckooland to find the style that is suitable for your needs.
best crib cots4totsuk 'll also find that various accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets made of premium bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, ensuring they are getting the best quality sleep possible.