Buying Small Cot Beds
When you are looking for a compact cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features but consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can help make a small room appear larger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style, and quite light, this model is a great option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the most simple flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots however, they still offer all the comfort and safety features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready for an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models convert into an elegant sofa bed for use with older children, too.
Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to make space for other baby things. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and benches into one piece of furniture.
You can find a wide selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so no matter if you have a small nursery or a large playroom, there's a bed that will suit your space. Many of the designs on our list come with mattresses that are fitted which helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When you are choosing a cot it is essential to determine the size of your nursery and verify the dimensions to ensure it will fit before making your purchase. The gap between the bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and comes with stunning sleigh-style frames. It's built to last with a solid construction and quality materials, and is easy to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. However, it's a much more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to buy a separate mattress in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a smaller nursery and is our choice of the most affordable cot. It's loaded with extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together too. It comes with a mattress, but you'll need to buy another one for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Choose Cot Bed Cots 4 Tots UK with an easy mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep well. These mattresses are more rigid than traditional cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure that your baby gets a good night sleep.
The mattress's cushioning can also help to reduce heat retention, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants, chemicals and other substances that could cause irritation to your baby's skin.
Typically, these types of mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for neck and head as well as body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built in cradling system, which many parents find to be helpful for reflux and colic.
It is crucial to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior buying a cot that is small. It is also possible to determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations to adhere to when purchasing the mattress for a cot including the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for a cot bed that can adapt to your child's needs and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It's a cot which converts to an infant bed. This can save you the expense of buying an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.
The user-friendly configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came out of the box and unfolded just like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds on itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also compact and lightweight and fits neatly into a bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case and ideal for taking it to the grandparents' homes.
This cot is extremely comfy, despite being larger than the other models in our tried-and tested line-up. It's designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel as if they are in a bouncer. It's also a solid stable and safe option for side and back sleepers, however the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
It's vital to ensure that the cot you pick is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into an infant bed. Verify that it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat inside the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could create a risk of suffocation. Examine for any areas of sagging that could pose a danger, and test to see how the mattress will spring back after pressing on it. A good quality mattress for cots should be firm and flat when you press down on the centre of it.
Keep the cot clear of toys, stickers and anything else that could cause choking. It is essential that babies move around freely and roll over while they sleep. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure you check it often to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
It's important to avoid placing a cot next to an open window or a radiator because they may get too hot or awake with sunburn. You should also keep your cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. These cords can strangle babies, and older children could reach out to grab cot bars or pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a top-quality finish This cot is well worth the investment over the cheaper alternatives. It's a bit laborious to put together but the directions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap but it'll last your child right into their toddler years and look stunning in any nursery.
Design
When you're looking for a small cot bed, it's important to remember that you're likely investing in something that will last for years. Unlike cribs which are used only for a short 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. Choose a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure that it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress in height as your child grows, making sure they are secure and comfortable for a longer time.
A useful design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This is an excellent way to give your little one a feeling of independence when they begin to playing, and can help them get in and out of their bed easily. For even greater flexibility Some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cosy sofa simply by removing the front of the bed.
The slatted style of many cots is a great option for small spaces, too, as it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This makes a large difference in comfort, and can make all the difference when trying to ensure that your baby has a restful night's sleep.
A small cot or cot bed is an excellent investment for your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an excellent accessory to any nursery. With so many styles to pick from, it's worth the effort to explore the wide range of cots and cot beds that are available at Cuckooland to find the style that suits you.
For each cot, there's various accessories such as soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This makes it easy to put together a cosy and comfortable environment for your baby's to get the best sleep possible and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.