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When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the specifications and safety features, but you should also consider the design too. A well-designed cot can help make a room feel bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight this model is a good option for smaller bedrooms. It's also the simplest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still have all the safety and comfort features your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children, too.
Find cots to tots that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled in case you want to store other baby items. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.
You can find a wide variety of sizes in our cots that are small and cribs roundup which means that regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's a bed that will suit your space. A lot of the designs in our roundup include a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
When you are choosing a cot it is important to determine the size of your nursery and verify the dimensions to make sure it's suitable before you purchase. You should also look at the gap between the bars, as it should not be greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, that can accommodate an average 120 x 60cm mattress, and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It is built to last with quality materials and sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your child's growing requirements. It's more expensive than other cribs on our list, and you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a smaller nursery and is our choice of the most affordable cots. It's loaded with extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to suit the growth of your baby. It's also easy to assemble. It comes with a mattress, however, you'll need another one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your baby to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial things you can do to ensure an excellent night's rest is to pick a smaller crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are firmer than traditional cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure that your baby gets a good night's sleep.
These mattresses are cushioned to help prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used to make the mattress are also free of irritants and chemical to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's delicate skin.
These mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers, as they offer excellent support for the head, neck and body. They can also be used with the cot's built in cradling, which parents have found to be beneficial for colic and reflux.
If you are considering a cot bed with a cushioned mattress it is essential to verify the dimensions of the mattress and if it can be placed inside the base of the cot. You should also determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying mattresses for cots, such as the minimum thickness.
If you're in search of a cot bed that can adapt to your child's needs take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It is initially a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to buy a new bed when your baby is ready for it.
Our panel of testers loved this cot's easy setup and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds into itself without a complicated mechanism to work with. It's also compact and lightweight and fits neatly into a bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case and ideal for taking it to grandparents' homes.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel as a mattress and has plenty of padding and a bouncy base that absorbs the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're in the bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may be a bit uncomfortable with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it's important to check that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to meet. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to convert it into a toddler's bed. Verify that it's the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to be safe. It should measure 140cm by 70cm, and not have any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. It could pose an entrapment hazard if it is soft or old, or damaged. Look for any sagging areas that could pose a danger and then test how quickly the mattress will spring back after pressing it. If you press the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it should feel solid.
Keep the cot clear of any toys, stickers, and anything else which could cause choking. Babies should be able move around easily and roll in their sleep, so it's also important that the cot does not have raised corners or cut-outs could be used as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.
It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot near a radiator or sunny window, as they could get too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords on wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these, and older babies could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.
For Scandi style and a premium finish the cot is worth the investment over the cheaper alternatives. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble but the directions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not expensive however it will last your child right into their toddler years and will look stunning in any nursery.
Design
It's important to remember that you are likely investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. In contrast to cribs that 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. To ensure that the cot you purchase will last, look for a model with adjustable base heights. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height to fit your baby's development, ensuring they are safe and comfy.
Another important feature to look for is the ability to take off sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your little one a feeling of independence when they begin to walking around, and can help them get in and out of their bed with ease. For more flexibility the cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cozy sofa by taking off the front of the bed.
The slatted design of many cots is an excellent choice for a small space, also, since it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in comfort, and could make all the difference when trying to ensure that your baby has an adequate night's rest.
A cot-sized or small bed is an excellent investment for your baby's sleep habits and safety, and can be an excellent design element to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of beds and cots to pick from.
You'll also find that a range of accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and top quality bed linen, are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This will allow you to create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, making sure they get the best rest possible.