Buying Small Cot Beds
When you are looking for a compact cot bed It's easy to get caught up on the specs and safety features but consider the design too. A well-designed cot can make a room feel bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight, this model is an excellent option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. 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 can be used from birth, or until your toddler is ready to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a stylish couch bed to use with older kids.
To maximize your space, consider an item that is compatible with your existing bedroom furniture or one that can easily dismantle and reassemble if you want to put in other baby objects. It is also possible to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines the drawers of a chest with a changing table and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
There's a broad range of sizes in our cots for small spaces and cribs roundup and, therefore, whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there's a bed that will fit your space. Many of the designs in our roundup include a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
It's important that you measure the space available in your nursery prior to buying a crib. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, that can accommodate a standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and comes with a beautiful sleigh-style frame. It is constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also easy to adapt to your child's growing needs. It's more expensive than other cribs on our list, and you will need to purchase a separate mattress.
most recommended cribs & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a small nursery, and it's our pick for the most value-for-money cot. It's packed full of additional features like teething rails as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's super-easy to put together. It includes a mattress however, you'll need a second for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Choose a small cot with an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. They are designed to be more firm than a traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your child will have an enjoyable night's sleep.
The cushioning of these mattresses can also help to reduce heat retention, which may cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to your baby's skin.
These mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers as they provide adequate support for neck, head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling feature, which many parents find to be beneficial for reflux and colic.
It is crucial to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it will fit in the base of the cot before buying a cot that is small. Find out if the mattress has any particular rules or regulations, such as the minimum thickness.
If you're in search of an cot that can expand with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's a cot which converts to an infant bed. This will save you the expense of purchasing an entirely new bed for your child when they are ready.
The simple setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came out of the box and was unfolded like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot collapses on itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also light and compact, fitting neatly into a bag smaller than a camping chair's case and ideal for transporting to grandparents' homes.
Despite being larger than other models in our tried and tested range, this cot is incredibly 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 like they're 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 a problem with it.
Safety
For your baby's safety, it's important to check that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to meet. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning 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 140cm x 70cm, and not have any gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. It could be dangerous to suffocate if it is soft or worn out. Look for any areas of sagging that could pose a danger and test how the mattress springs back when pressing it. A good quality mattress for cots should be firm and lie flat when you press down on its centre.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other items that could cause choking. It is essential that babies move around freely and roll over while they sleep. If your crib has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.
Do not put your cot near the heat source or a sunny window. It could become too hot or awake with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords on wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other accessories with long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies, and older children could reach out to grab bars for their cot or even pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a premium finish This cot is well worth the investment over the cheaper alternatives. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood is solid. It takes some time to put together. It's not cheap, but it will last your child into their toddler years.
Design
It's important to consider 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 used only for a brief period of time, cots and beds are suitable from the time a child is able to easily transition into a toddler or a single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure that it will last. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's height to fit your baby's growth, keeping them secure and comfortable.
A useful design feature is the ability to take out cot bars in sections. This is an excellent way to provide your baby a sense of independence once they begin toddle, and will assist them in and out of their bed easily. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by taking out the front.
The slatted design of a lot of cribs is a good option for a small space also, since it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This is a significant difference in comfort, and can make all the difference when trying to ensure that your baby has an adequate night's rest.
A compact cot, also known as a cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby’s security and sleep habits. It's also an ideal addition to any nursery. With so many options to choose from, it's worth the effort to look through the entire selection of cots and beds on offer at Cuckooland to find a style that's perfect for you.
You'll also find that an array of accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets with high-end 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's to get the best sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.