Buying Small Cot Beds
When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the specifications and safety features but consider the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can make smaller rooms appear larger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and extremely light This model is an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still provide all the safety and comfort features that your baby requires. They are suitable from birth, or until your toddler is old enough to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert to an elegant sofa bed to use with older children, too.
To help you maximize your space, choose the right model that will fit with the furniture in your bedroom or one that you can easily disassemble and reassemble if you need to make room for other baby objects. You may also want to think about a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines the drawers of a chest as well as a changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our list of cots for small children and cribs features a range of sizes, so there is something to fit in every space. Many of the designs in our roundup include a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.
When selecting a cot, it's important to determine the size of your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it's suitable before you purchase. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and comes with an elegant sleigh-style frame. It's built to last with quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also easy to adapt to your child's increasing needs. It is more expensive than the other cots in our list and you will need to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the most value-for-money cot. It's stuffed with extra features, including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together too. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy a second to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
Pick a small cot that has an easy mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep well. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest.
The cushioning of these mattresses also helps to prevent heat retention, which may cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are also free of irritants and chemical to ensure that they don't irritate the baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers, as they offer adequate support for the head, neck and body. They can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle that comes with the cot, which is useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
If you are considering a mattress cot bed that has cushions, it's important to check the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit inside the cot's base. It is also possible to determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying the mattress for a cot including the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for a cot bed that can expand with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, saving you from having to purchase a new bed when your baby is ready for it.
best crib for newborn of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot then collapses over itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and lightweight and fits neatly into a bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.
Despite being larger than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel like 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 issues with it.
Safety
For your baby's safety, it is essential to ensure that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to meet. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. Verify that it's the right size for the nursery and is big enough for your child to rest comfortably. It should be 140cm x 70cm and have no gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is firm and lies flat inside the cot. It could be an entrapment hazard if it is soft or worn out. Test the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots should feel firm and flat when you press down on the centre of it.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choke hazard. It's essential that babies move around freely and roll over as they sleep. If your cot features drop-sides, be sure to check them regularly to make sure the mechanism locks securely.
It's recommended to avoid placing a cot next to the sun or a radiator because they may become too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. These cords can strangle babies, and older children could reach out to grab cot bars or even pull themselves up.
top rated cots is definitely worth the extra expense for those who want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. It's not the easiest to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not expensive, but it will last your child until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
It's important to keep in mind that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Contrary to cribs that are only used for a short period of time, cots can be used from the moment a baby is born until they can safely move to an adult bed or a single bed. To ensure that the crib you buy will last, look for a model with adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's growth, keeping them secure and comfortable.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the capability to remove sections of the cot bars. This will provide your child with a sense of independence when they begin to play and make it easier to help them get into and out of bed. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by taking out the front.
The slatted design of a lot of cribs is a good option for small spaces, in addition, it assists to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference when it comes to comfort, and can make all the difference in trying to ensure your baby gets a restful night's sleep.
A small cot or cot bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleep habits and security, and is an excellent design element to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds to choose from.
There's also a range of accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This makes it easy to create a cozy and warm environment for your baby to enjoy the best possible rest and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.