"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions 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 specs and safety features, but take into account the design too. A well-designed bed can help make a small room appear larger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style and extremely light This model is a good choice for smaller bedrooms. It's also the simplest flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still have all the security and comfort features your baby deserves. They can be used from birth, or until your toddler is old enough to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be turned into a chic couch bed for older children.
To make the most of your space, look for the right model that will fit with your existing bedroom furniture, or one that you can easily take apart and reassemble when you want to accommodate other baby items. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seat in one piece of furniture.
There is a wide variety of sizes in our cots for small spaces and cribs roundup, so whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there should be something to fit your space. A majority of the designs on our list come with mattresses that are fitted that helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
It is crucial to measure the space available in your nursery before purchasing a crib. The distance between the bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which takes an average 120 x 60cm mattress, and features a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's designed to last, with a solid construction and quality materials, and it's easy to alter as your baby grows. It's however a more expensive option than 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 extra features including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together. The mattress is included, but an additional one will be needed to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
Choose a small cot with an easy mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. These are designed to be firmer than traditional cot mattresses but are still soft enough so that your child will get a good night's rest.
These mattresses are cushioned to reduce heat retention which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals to ensure they don't cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin.
Typically, these kinds of mattresses are a great choice for side and back sleepers since they provide excellent support for neck, head and body. They can be used together with the built-in cradle of a cot, which is beneficial for reflux or colic.
If you are considering a crib bed with a cushioned mattress, it's important to check the size of the mattress and whether it can be placed inside the base of the cot. You can also find out if there are any other specific rules and regulations you need to follow when purchasing a cot mattress, such as the minimum thickness.
If you're in search of a cot bed that can expand with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It's a cot which converts to an infant bed. This saves you the cost of buying a new bed for your child once they are ready.
The easy-to-use setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and was unfolded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot collapses on itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also light and compact, fitting neatly into a bag smaller than a camping chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they're in the bouncer. It's a stable, solid alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it's essential to verify that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to transform it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is the right size for the nursery and has enough space for your child to sleep safely. It should be 140cm x 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat inside the cot. It could be a suffocation hazard when it is squishy or old, or damaged. Test the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should be solid and flat when you press it down on the centre of it.
Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and anything else that could be a danger to choking. Babies should be able to move around easily and roll during their sleep, so 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 cot has drop-sides, be sure to check them regularly to make sure the mechanism is secured.
Do not put a cot next to a radiator or a sunny window. It is possible that they will become too warm or wake up with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies can be strangled by these cords, while older children may pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
This cot is worth the extra money if you want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap but it will last your child through their toddler years.
Design
It's important to consider that you are likely investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a small bed. Contrary to cribs that are designed for a short time, cots are appropriate from the time a child is born until they can easily transition to an adult bed or a single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you lower the mattress in height to suit your baby's development, ensuring they are secure and comfortable.
A great design feature is the capability to remove the cot bars into sections. This is a great way to give your child a sense of independence when they begin to toddle, and will help them get in and out of their bed quickly. To make it even more flexible, some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot (https://www.cots4tots.co.uk) can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by taking off the front of the bed.
Many cots have slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a significant difference in terms of comfort and will ensure that your baby has a good sleep.
A small cot or bed is a fantastic investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is a beautiful addition to any nursery setting. With so many options to pick from, it's always worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and beds on offer at Cuckooland to find the style that suits you.
You'll also find that an array of accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets made of high-end bed linen are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to put together a cosy and warm environment for your baby to enjoy the best quality sleep and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.
