Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to concentrate on the safety and spec features when shopping for a small bed. But mini cot beds forget the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight, this model is an excellent option for smaller bedrooms. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still have all the safety and comfort features that your baby needs. They can be used from the time of birth or until your toddler is old enough to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert to a stylish sofa bed for use with older children, too.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to make room for other baby things. It is also possible to think about a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or multi-functional designs that combine an armoire with a changing table and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
Our list of cots for small children and cribs features a range of sizes, meaning there's something to fit in every space. A lot of the designs in our roundup have a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
It is crucial to determine the size of your nursery before purchasing a cot. The distance between the bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh style frame. It is built to last with quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also simple 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 when you pick this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the best value cot, is a excellent option for a small nursery. 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 incredibly easy to put together. It includes a mattress, however, you'll need an additional one for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Choose a small cot with an easy mattress. This will help your baby sleep well. These mattresses are more rigid than traditional cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure that your child gets a good night sleep.
The mattresses are cushioned to reduce heat retention which can 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 your baby's skin.
Typically, these mattresses are also a good choice for side and back sleepers as they provide good support for the neck, 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 reflux and colic.
If you are considering a cot bed with cushions it is essential to verify the size of the mattress as well as whether it can be placed inside the cot's base. You should also determine whether there are specific rules and regulations to follow when purchasing a cot mattress including the minimum thickness.
The adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents looking for a cot that grows with their child. It is initially a cot but can later be transformed into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to purchase a new bed when your baby is ready to use it.
The easy-to-use setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came out of the box and was unfolded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down without a complicated mechanism to work with. It's also lightweight and compact and fits neatly into a carry bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.
The cot is extremely comfortable, despite being larger than the other models in our tried-and-tested range. It's designed to feel as a mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's also a sturdy, stable option for both back and side sleepers, though senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
It is essential to make sure that the cot bed you select is safe for your child. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into a toddler bed. You should also check that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide a safe sleep for your little one. 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 laid flat inside the cot. If it's old, soft or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Examine the mattress to determine whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should feel solid and flat when you press it down on its centre.
Keep the cot clear of any toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able move easily and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's also important that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs could be used as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop-side be sure to check it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
Do not put a cot next to an open radiator or a bright window. They could get too hot or awake with sunburn. It is also important to keep the cot clear of cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall, baby monitor cables and decorative 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.
For Scandi style and a top-quality finish, this cot is worth the cost over cheaper alternatives. The instructions are clear and the wood is solid. It takes time to put together. It's not cheap but it will last into their toddler years.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's important to remember that you're likely purchasing a long-term piece of furniture. Unlike cribs, which are only used for a short time, cots are appropriate from the moment a child is born until they can safely move to an adult bed or a single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure that it will last. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's height to fit your baby's growth, keeping them safe and comfy.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the capability to take off sections of cot bars. This will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to crawl and will make it easier to help them get into and out of the bed. For even greater flexibility Some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cozy sofa by taking off the front of the bed.
Many cots have slatted designs that are perfect for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a significant difference in terms of comfort and will ensure that your baby enjoys a good sleep.
A compact cot, also known as a cot-bed, is a great investment in your baby's security and sleeping habits. It can also be an ideal addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to pick from.
cot sale 'll also find that a range of accessories, like baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to create a cozy and comfortable environment for your baby to enjoy the best quality sleep and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.