Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to get caught up in the safety and features when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and less clutter-filled.
This model is perfect for bedrooms with small spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the security and comfort features your baby requires. They are suitable from birth or until your toddler is ready to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children as well.
To maximize your space, choose an item that is compatible with your existing bedroom furniture or one that can easily dismantle and reassemble when you need to accommodate other baby objects. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seat in one piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs has a range of sizes, so there's something for every space. A lot of the cribs that we have listed come with an adjustable mattress that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When you are choosing a cot it is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it will fit before purchasing. The distance between the bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has stunning sleigh-style frames. It is built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also easy to adjust to your baby's growing needs. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a small nursery, and is our choice of the best value cot. It's packed full of additional features like teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's super-easy to put together. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy a second to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your baby to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial ways to ensure they get an excellent night's rest is to choose a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. They are more firm than standard cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure your baby gets a good night's sleep.
The mattress's cushioning helps in preventing heat retention, which can cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants chemical compounds and other substances that can cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
Typically, these kinds of mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for the neck and head as well as body. These mattresses can be used together with the built-in cradle in a cot, which is useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
If you are considering a crib bed with cushions it is important to determine the dimensions of the mattress as well as whether it will fit into the base of the cot. Find out if the mattress has any particular rules or regulations, like the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design by Vox is a great choice for parents who are looking for a cot that grows with their child. It is a cot that converts to a toddler bed. This will save you the expense of buying an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.
The easy-to-use setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came out of the box and was unfolded like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap in place, and the cot folds into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also lightweight and compact and fits neatly into a bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case and ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.
Despite being try what he says than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding, and a springy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel as if they are in the bouncer. Baby Cot Bed 's also a sturdy and stable choice for back and side sleepers, but the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that the cot bed you select is safe for your baby. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into an infant bed. Also, make sure it's the correct size for your nursery and offers enough space for a secure sleeping environment for your child. It should be 140cm x 70cm and should not have gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is flat and firm. It could be an entrapment hazard when it is squishy or old, or damaged. Look for any sagging areas that could be dangerous and test how the mattress springs back after pressing it. A high-quality cot mattress should feel firm and lie flat when you press down on the middle of it.
Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and other things that could be a choking hazard. Babies should be able move freely and roll over in their sleep, so it's important that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot close to a radiator or sunny window because they may get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Keep the cot away from cords on wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, 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 cost for those who want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. The instructions are clear and the wood is solid. It takes a while to put together. It's not expensive, but it will last into their toddler years.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, you need to remember that you're likely investing in something that will last for years. Contrary to cribs that are used only for a brief period of time, cots are suitable from the moment a child is born until they are able to safely transition to an adult bed or a single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's growing needs, while keeping them safe and comfortable.
One of the most useful features of the design is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This is an excellent way to give your baby a sense of independence once they start walking around, and can assist them in and out of their bed easily. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa simply by removing the front.
Many cots feature slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep and can help ensure that your baby enjoys an enjoyable sleep.
A small cot or cot bed is a great investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an attractive accessory to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to pick from.
There's also an array of accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets with high-end bed linen are available for every cot to complete the look. This makes it simple to create a warm and warm environment for your baby to get the best sleep possible and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.