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 take into account the design too. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and less cluttered.
This model is ideal for smaller bedrooms. It's light and stroller-style. It's also the easiest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still have all the security and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used from the time of birth or until your toddler is able to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a stylish sofa bed for older children.
To help you maximize your space, look for the right model that will fit with your existing bedroom furniture or one that can easily disassemble and reassemble if you want to make room for other baby items. It is also possible to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or multi-functional designs that combine the drawers of a chest with a changing table and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs has a range of sizes, meaning there's something to suit every space. Many of the designs in our roundup have an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
It is crucial to measure the space available in your nursery before purchasing a crib. The distance between the bars should be no greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and comes with an elegant sleigh-style frame. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your child's increasing requirements. It's more expensive than other cribs on our list, and you will need to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the best value cot, is another ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's stuffed with additional features like teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together too. best infant cribs comes with a mattress, however, you'll need another one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
As a parent you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the most beneficial things you can do to ensure they get a good night's sleep is to choose a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These are designed to be firmer than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your child will have 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 on the mattress are free of chemicals and irritants so that they won't disturb your baby's sensitive skin.
Typically, these types of mattresses are a great choice for side and back sleepers, as they provide great support for neck as well as the head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built in cradling feature, which parents have found to be helpful in cases of colic and reflux.
When choosing a small crib bed with a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the size of the mattress and whether it will fit into the cot's base. You should also determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when buying the mattress for a cot, such as the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design by Vox is a great option for parents looking for an cot that can grow with their child. It is a cot that converts to an infant bed. This will save you the cost of buying a new bed for your child once they are ready.
Our panel of test participants was impressed by the simple setup of this cot The mom 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 into itself without a complicated mechanism to deal with. It's also compact and light, fitting in the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting the cot to grandparents' homes.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and tested range, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It's made to feel like an actual mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb weight without making your baby feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have issues with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it's essential to verify whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to transform it into a toddler's bed. You should also check that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough space for a secure sleeping environment for your child. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Check the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. If you press the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it should feel firm.
Keep the cot free of any toys, stickers and anything else that could be a choking danger. It is essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate while they sleep. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure you check it often to ensure that the mechanism is secured.
Do not place your cot near the heat source or a window that is sunny. It could become too hot or wake up with sunburn. Keep the cot away from cords on wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other decorative items that have long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children might reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.
This cot is worth the extra expense if you want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels solid. It takes some time to put together. It's not expensive however it will last until their toddler years and look great in any nursery.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a short period of time, cots are appropriate from the moment a baby is born until they are able to safely move to a toddler bed or kids single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's height to fit your baby's development, ensuring they are safe and comfy.
Another design element to look out for is the ability to take off sections of cot bars. This is a great way to give your baby a sense of independence when they begin to toddle, and will help them get in and out of their bed quickly. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.
The slatted style of many cribs is a good option for small spaces, also, since it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in comfort, and could make the difference to ensure your baby gets a restful night's sleep.
A small cot or bed is a great investment for your baby's sleep habits and security, and is an excellent design element to any nursery. With so many designs available to pick from, it's worth the effort to look through the entire selection of cots and beds on offer at Cuckooland to find the style that suits you.
For each crib, you'll find an array of accessories, including soft duvets and high-end bed linen. This makes it easy to create a cozy and welcoming environment for your baby to get the best sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.