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 cot will make your room appear bigger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style and extremely light This model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the most simple flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still provide all the safety and comfort features that your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models convert to an elegant sofa bed for use with older children as well.
Choose a model that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled in case you want to store other baby items. You may also want to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines a chest of drawers, changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
Our list of cots for small children and cribs features a range of sizes, so there is something for every 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.
When you are choosing a cot it is important to take measurements of the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before purchasing. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which can fit the standard 120x60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It's built to last with a solid construction with high-quality materials, and it's simple to adjust as your child grows. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the most value cot, is a ideal choice for a smaller nursery. 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 incredibly easy to put together. The mattress is included, but an additional one will be required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
Choose a small cot with a comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. They are more firm than traditional cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure your child gets a good night sleep.
The cushioning of these mattresses can also help to reduce heat retention, which may cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used to make the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers, as they offer good support for the head, neck and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built-in cradling system, which parents have found to be beneficial for colic and reflux.
When choosing a small cot bed with cushions, it's important to check the size of the mattress and whether it can be placed inside the cot's base. You can also find out whether there are any 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 an cot that can expand with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It is initially an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, saving you from having to buy a new bed when your baby is ready for it.
The easy-to-use setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came out of the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot then collapses on itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also light and compact, fitting neatly into a bag slightly larger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' homes.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It is designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if they are in a bouncer. It's also a solid stable and safe option for back and side sleepers, but the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.
Safety
It is essential to make sure that the cot you select is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to transform it into a toddler's bed. Also, make sure it's the right size for your nursery and has enough space to provide a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should be at least 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. It could pose an entrapment hazard when it is squishy or old, or damaged. Test the mattress to see if it springs back quickly after pressing. A good quality cot mattress should feel firm and flat when you press down on its centre.
Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and other items that could be a danger to choking. Babies should be able to move around easily and roll in their sleep, so it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop-side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.
It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot near the sun or a radiator in case they get too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Keep the cot away from cords on wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies can be strangled by these, and older children could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
This cot is worth the extra expense for those who want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are clear and the wood is solid. It takes some time to put together. It's not expensive, but it'll last your child right into their toddler years and will look stunning in any nursery.
Design
It's important to consider that you'll be investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Unlike cribs, which are only used for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the moment a child is born until they can easily transition to an adult bed or a single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable height base to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's height to accommodate your child's growing needs, while keeping them safe and comfy.
Another important feature to look for is the ability to remove sections of the cot bars. This will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to crawl and make it easier for them to get into and out of the bed. To make it even more flexible Some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cozy sofa by taking the front off of the bed.
Many cots have slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby has an enjoyable sleep.
A small cot or bed is an excellent investment for your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be a beautiful addition to any nursery setting. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds to pick from.
For each cot, you'll find a variety of accessories such as soft duvets and high-end bed linen. cot for sale will allow you to create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, ensuring they have the best sleep possible.