It s The Ugly Truth About Small Cot Beds

Buying Small Cot Beds

When you are looking for a compact cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features but consider the design too. A well-designed cot can make your room appear bigger and less cluttered.

This model is perfect for smaller bedrooms. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the most simple flatpack to assemble.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used from the time of birth, or until your toddler is old enough to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children too.

Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt when you need to make space for other baby things. 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 affordable cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there's something for every space. Many of the designs on our list have a fitted mattress, which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

It's important that you determine the size of your nursery prior to purchasing a cot for sale. You should also look at the space between the bars since this should not be greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has a beautiful sleigh style frame. It is built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also easy to adapt to your child's growing needs. However, it's a more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately if you choose this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is another excellent option for a small nursery. It's packed full of additional features like teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together too. The mattress is included, but an additional one will be needed to help with the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Select a cot that is small and has a comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep well. These are designed to be a bit firmer than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your baby will enjoy an enjoyable night's sleep.

They are cushioned to reduce heat retention which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used to make the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's delicate skin.

Typically, these mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for the 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 colic and reflux.

It is crucial to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior to buying a cot that is small. You should also determine whether there are specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying a cot mattress like the minimum thickness.

If you're in search of an cot bed that will grow with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It is a cot that transforms into an infant bed. This can save you the expense of buying an additional bed for your child when they are ready.

Our panel of test participants loved this cot's easy setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds up without a complicated mechanism to deal with. It's also small and light, fitting in a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot to grandparents' homes.

This cot is extremely comfy despite being bigger than the other models in our tried and tested range. It is designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel like they are in the bouncer. It's also a solid and stable choice for back and side sleepers however 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. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into an infant bed. Check that it is the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to sleep safely. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat in the cot. If it's old, soft or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Test the mattress to see if it springs back quickly after pressing. When you press on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.

Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and other items that could cause choking. It's important that babies can move freely and turn over as they sleep. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure you check it regularly to make sure the mechanism locks securely.

It's important to avoid placing a cot near a radiator or sunny window, as they could get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. It is also important to keep the cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, while older children could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.

This cot is worth the extra money if you want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. 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 through their toddler years.

Design

It's important to keep in mind that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Contrary to cribs that are only used for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the moment a child is born until they are able to safely transition to an adult bed or a single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height to fit your baby's growth, keeping them secure and comfortable.

A great design feature is the ability to take out the cot bars into sections. This is an excellent way to provide your little one a feeling of independence when they begin to walking around, and can assist them in and out of their bed with ease. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa simply by removing the front.

Many cots have slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a significant difference in terms of comfort and help ensure that your baby has an enjoyable sleep.

A cot-sized or small bed is a fantastic investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an attractive accessory to any nursery. With so many options to pick from, it's worth the effort to browse the full selection of cots and beds that are available at Cuckooland to find the style that suits you.

There's also an array of accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This will allow you to create a an inviting and cozy environment for your child, ensuring they are getting the best Baby Cots quality sleep possible.