Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to focus on the safety features and specifications when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed cot will make a room feel bigger and less clutter-filled.
This model is perfect for bedrooms with small spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots however they still provide all the comfort and safety features your baby needs. 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 can be turned into a stylish couch bed for older children.
To make the most of your space, look for the right model that will fit with the furniture in your bedroom or one that can easily dismantle and put up again when you need to accommodate other baby objects. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seat in one 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 have a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.
It is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery before purchasing a crib. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars, as this should not be more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and comes with stunning sleigh-style frames. It's designed to last, with a sturdy construction with high-quality materials, and is simple to adjust as your child grows. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other cots on our list, and you'll need to purchase a mattress in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the most affordable cot. It comes with a variety of extra features, including teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's growth. It is also super easy to put together. It includes a mattress, however, you'll need another one for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the best things you can do to ensure an excellent night's rest is to choose a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are more rigid than the traditional cot mattress but are soft enough to ensure your baby gets a good night's rest.
The mattress's cushioning also helps to prevent heat retention, which may cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of 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 good support for the neck as well as the head and body. These mattresses can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle in a cot, which is useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
It is essential to determine the mattress size and ensure that it fits in the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, such as the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot that can grow with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially a cot but can later be transformed into a toddler bed, saving you from having to purchase another bed when your baby is ready to use it.
Our panel of test participants was impressed by the simple setup of this cot, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap in place, and the cot folds into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and light, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot to grandparents home.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It's made to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's also a solid stable and safe option for side and back sleepers, but the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
For your baby's safety, it's important to check that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into an infant bed. Check that it is appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to sleep safely. 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 flat and firm. It could be a suffocation hazard when it is squishy or worn out. Check the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A good quality cot mattress should feel solid and flat when you press it down on its centre.
Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and other items that could be a danger to choking. Babies should be able to move easily and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot is equipped with drop-sides, make sure you check it often to ensure that the mechanism is secure.
Do not put the cot next to a radiator or a window that is sunny. It could become too hot or wake up with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. The cords could strangle infants and older children might reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.
This cot is worth the extra cost if you want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to put together however the instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy.
tots and cots 's not expensive, but it will last your child until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that you'll be investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a short period of time, cots are suitable from the time a child is born until they are able to safely transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you lower the mattress's in height as your child grows, making sure they are in a safe and comfortable position for longer.
One of the most useful features of the design is the capability to remove the cot bars into sections. This is a great way to give your baby a sense of independence once they begin playing, and can aid them in getting into and out of their bed easily. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.
The slatted design of many cribs is a good option for a small space, also, since it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a significant difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby has a restful night.
tots and cots or bed is a great investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an attractive design element to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of beds and cots to choose from.
You'll also find that an array of accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets with top quality bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This will allow you to create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they get the best rest possible.