Buying Small Cot Beds
When you are looking for a compact cot bed It's easy to get caught up on the specifications and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can make the small space appear bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight, this model is an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots, however, they still offer all the safety and comfort features your baby deserves. They are suitable from birth or until your toddler is able to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert to an elegant sofa bed to use with older children, too.
To maximize your space, choose an item that is compatible with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that you can easily dismantle and put up again when you need to put in other baby things. You might also want to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines an armoire with a changing table and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our list of cots for small children and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there's something to fit in every space. Many of the designs on our list have mattresses that are fitted which helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
When you are choosing a cot it is important to measure the space in your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before making your purchase. The distance between the bars should be no greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which takes a standard 120x60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last, with a sturdy build and quality materials, and it's simple to adjust as your baby grows. It's more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you will need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick for the best value cot. It's stuffed with extra features including teething rails as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together. The mattress is included, however another one will be required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
Choose a small cot with an easy mattress. This will help your baby rest comfortably. These mattresses are more rigid than traditional cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest.
The mattresses are cushioned to help prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens chemical compounds and other substances that can cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
These mattresses are a good option for back and side sleepers, since they provide excellent support for the neck, head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built in cradling system, which parents have found to be beneficial for colic and reflux.
If you are considering a mattress cot bed that has a cushioned mattress it is essential to verify the size of the mattress and whether it will fit inside the cot's base. You should also determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when purchasing the mattress for a cot like the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who are looking for an cot that can grow with their child. It's a cot that converts to a toddler bed. This saves you the expense of purchasing a new bed for your child when they are ready.
The simple configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came out of the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap in place, and the cot folds over itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also lightweight and compact and fits neatly into a bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.
This cot is extremely comfortable, despite being larger than other models in our tried-and tested range. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy stable and safe option for back and side 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 comply with. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough room for a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat inside the cot. It can be a suffocation hazard when it is squishy, old, or damaged. Check the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots should be firm and lie flat when you press it down on the centre of it.
Keep the cot clear of toys, smudges, and anything else which could be a danger to choking. Babies must be able to move freely and roll over in their sleep, so it's important that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot is equipped with drop-sides, make sure you check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secure.
It's important to avoid placing a cot next to a radiator or sunny window, as they could get too hot or awake with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these, and older children may pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
This cot is definitely worth the extra cost If you're looking for the Scandi style and a top quality finish. It's a bit laborious 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
When looking for a compact cot bed, you need to keep in mind that you're purchasing a long-term piece of furniture. Unlike cribs which are used only for a short period of time, cots and beds are suitable from the time a child is able to safely transition into the toddler or single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure that it will last. 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.
Another useful design feature to look out for is the ability to take off sections of the cot bars. This is an excellent way to give 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 transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.
Many cots feature slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a big difference in terms of comfort and will ensure that your baby has a good sleep.
A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby's security and sleeping habits. It's also an excellent addition to any nursery. Mini Cot Bed www.cots4tots.co.uk has a wide range of cots and beds to pick from.
There's also various accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets with premium bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This will allow you to create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby, ensuring they get the best rest possible.