Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up on the specifications and safety features, but take into account the aesthetics too. A well-designed cot can make a room feel bigger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight, this model is a good choice for smaller bedrooms. It's also the simplest 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 requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children too.
To help you make the most of your space, look for the right model that will fit with your existing bedroom furniture or one that you can easily dismantle and put up again when you need to make room for other baby items. It is also possible to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines an armoire, changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there is something for every space. Many of the designs on our list come with a fitted mattress which helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
It is crucial to measure the space available in your nursery prior to buying a cot. You should also look at the space between the bars since this should not be greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's built to last, with a sturdy construction and quality materials, and is easy to alter as your baby grows. It is more expensive than other cribs on our list, and you will need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is another ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's loaded with extra features such as teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to suit your baby's growth. It is also super easy to put together. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy an additional one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the most beneficial ways to ensure they get a good night's sleep is to pick a smaller cot bed with a comfy mattress. They are designed to be a bit firmer than traditional cot mattresses but are still soft enough so that your child will get the rest of the night.
The mattress's cushioning also helps to prevent heat retention, which may cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to your baby's skin.
Typically, these mattresses are a great choice for side and back sleepers since they provide excellent support for the neck as well as the head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling system, which many parents find to be helpful in cases of colic and reflux.
If you are considering a mattress cot bed that has a cushioned mattress it is essential to verify the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit into the cot's base. You can also find out whether there are specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when buying mattresses for cots like the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot bed that will expand with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It starts out as an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, saving you from having to buy another bed when your baby is ready for it.
Our panel of test participants loved this cot's easy setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down without a complicated mechanism to handle. It's also small and light, fitting in the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot to grandparents home.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and-tested range, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel as if they are in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have a problem with it.
Safety
It's vital to make sure that the cot you select is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into a toddler bed. You should also check that it's the correct size for your nursery and offers enough room for a safe sleep for your little one. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is level and firm. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could create a risk of suffocation. Check for any areas of sagging that could pose a danger, and test to see how the mattress springs back when pressing on it. When you press on the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it will feel firm.
Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and anything else that could pose a choking risk. It's essential that babies move freely and turn over while they sleep. If your crib has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
Do not put the cot next to a radiator or a sunny window. They could get too hot or wake up with sunburn. Baby beds should also keep your cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, and older children could climb up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.
This cot is definitely worth the extra expense If you're looking for the Scandi style and a top quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble but the directions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not cheap, but it will last your child until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
It is important to consider that you're likely to invest in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a short period of time, cots are appropriate from the moment a child is born until they are able to safely transition to the toddler bed or single bed. To ensure the cot you purchase will last, look out for a model with adjustable base heights. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's in height to suit your baby's development, ensuring they are safe and comfy.
A useful design feature is the ability to take out cot bars in sections. This will give your child the feeling of independence as they begin to play and make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. For even greater flexibility Some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by taking off the front of the bed.
Many cots come with 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 huge difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby has a restful night.
A compact cot, also known as a the cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby’s security and sleeping habits. It can also be an ideal addition to any nursery. With so many designs available to pick from, it's worth taking the time to look through the entire selection of cots and cot beds on offer at Cuckooland to find a style that's perfect for you.
There's also an array of accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This allows you to create a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, making sure they are getting the best quality sleep possible.