Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to focus on the safety and spec features when you're looking for a compact bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and less cluttered.
This model is ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the easiest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still provide all the safety and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used from the time of birth or until your toddler is ready to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert into a stylish sofa bed for 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 can easily disassemble and reassemble if you want to make room for other baby items. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that includes a changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, so there is something to fit in every space. Many of the designs in our roundup come with an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.
It is crucial to take measurements of the space in your nursery before purchasing a cot. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot that can accommodate the standard 120x60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your child's growing needs. It's more expensive than other cribs on our list, and you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a compact nursery, and it's our pick for the most affordable cot. It comes with a variety of extra features, including teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to suit the baby's development. It is also super easy to assemble. It comes with a mattress, however, you'll need another one for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has a comfortable mattress. This will help your baby rest comfortably. These are designed to be more firm than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your child will have the rest of the night.
They are cushioned to help prevent heat retention which can 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.
Typically, these kinds of mattresses are a great choice for side and back sleepers, as they provide great support for neck and head as well as body. These mattresses can be utilized in conjunction with the built-in cradle in a cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.
It is important to measure the mattress size and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. You can also find out whether there are specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying a cot mattress like the minimum thickness.
The adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It's a cot that transforms into a toddler bed. This saves you the cost of buying an additional bed for your child when they are ready.
The user-friendly setup of this cot was highly 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 collapses over itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that is larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot to grandparents' homes.
This cot is extremely comfy despite its size being higher than other models from our tried-and-tested collection. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel as if they're in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy, stable option for both back and side sleepers however 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 choose is safe for your child. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to convert it into a toddler's bed. Verify that it's appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to be safe. 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 firm and lies flat inside the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Test the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. If you press the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and anything else that could pose a choke hazard. It's important that babies can be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If your cot is equipped with drop-sides, be sure to check them regularly to make sure the mechanism locks securely.
Do not place your cot near the heat source or a sunny window. It could become too hot or wake up with sunburn. You should also keep the cot clear of wall mounted curtain cords, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these, and older babies could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
For Scandi style and a high-quality finish the cot is worth the extra investment over cheaper alternatives. It's not the easiest to put together but the directions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap but it will last your child into their toddler years.
Design
It's important to consider that you're likely to invest in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized for a limited period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from birth until a child is able to safely transition to a toddler or a single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure that it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's growing needs, while keeping them safe and comfortable.
Another useful design feature to look for is the ability to remove sections of cot bars. This will provide your child with an impression of independence once they begin to play and will make it easier for them to get into and out of bed. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by removing the front.
The slatted style of many cots is a great option for a small space, also, since it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a big difference in terms of comfort and will ensure that your baby has an enjoyable sleep.
A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby’s safety and sleeping habits. Cots 4 Tots 's also an excellent addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds to pick from.
For each crib, you'll find an array of accessories such as soft duvets and premium bed linen. This makes it easy to create a warm and welcoming environment for your baby's to get the best sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.