Small Cot Beds: The Ugly Truth About Small Cot Beds

· 6 min read
Small Cot Beds: The Ugly Truth About Small Cot Beds

Buying Small Cot Beds

When shopping for a small cot bed It's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features, but you should also consider the design too. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less cluttered.

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight, this model is an excellent option for smaller bedrooms. It's also the most simple flatpack to put together.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still have all the safety and comfort features that your baby requires. They can be used from the time of birth, or until your toddler is able to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a stylish couch bed for older kids.

To help you maximize 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 need to put in other baby things. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that incorporates the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seat in one piece of furniture.

Our roundup of small cots and  cribs  has a range of sizes, so there's something for every space. Many of the designs in our roundup come with a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.

When selecting  Baby Cot Bed , it is important to measure the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before you purchase. You should also look at the space between the bars since this needs to be no more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and comes with stunning sleigh-style frames. It's built to last with quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also easy to adapt to your child's changing requirements. It is more expensive than the other cots in our list and you'll need to buy a separate mattress.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the most value-for-money cots. It's loaded 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 too. The mattress is included, but a second one will be needed to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

As a parent you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment and one of the most beneficial ways to help them get an excellent night's rest is to pick a smaller cot bed with a comfy mattress. These are designed to be a bit firmer than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough that your child will have a good night's rest.

These mattresses are cushioned to prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.

These mattresses are a great alternative for back and side sleepers, since they provide adequate support for neck, head and body. They can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle of a cot, which is useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.

It is crucial to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, like the minimum thickness.

If you're in search of an cot bed that will adapt to your child's needs, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It is initially a cot but can later be transformed into an infant bed, saving you from the expense of buying another bed when your child is ready for it.

Our panel of test participants enjoyed the cot's simple setup The mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a camping chair". 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 into a carry case that is larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting the cot to grandparents at their homes.

Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel like they are in the bouncer. It's a solid, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might have a problem with it.

Baby Cot Bed

To ensure the safety of your baby, it is essential to ensure that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to meet. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. Also, make sure it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough room for a safe sleep for your baby. 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. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Test the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A high-quality cot mattress should feel firm and lie flat when you press down on the middle of it.

Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and anything else that could pose a choke danger. Babies should be able to move around easily and roll throughout their sleep, which is why it's important that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot is equipped with drop-sides, be sure to check them regularly to make sure the mechanism is secured.

It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot near a radiator or sunny window because they may become too hot or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and decorative accessories that have long cords. The cords could strangle infants, and older children could reach out to grab bars for their cot or pull themselves up.

This cot is worth the extra cost for those who want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to put together, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not expensive, but it will last until they reach the age of toddlers.

Design

It is important to consider that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. In contrast to cribs, which are designed for a brief period of time, cots are suitable from the time a child is born until they are able to easily transition to the toddler bed or single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's growing needs, while keeping them safe and comfy.


Another useful design feature to look out for is the ability to remove sections of the cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your little one a feeling of independence once they start playing, and can aid them in getting into and out of their bed quickly. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.

Many cots come with slatted designs which are ideal for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This is a significant difference when it comes to comfort, and can make all the difference in trying to ensure that your baby has a good night's sleep.

A small cot, or the cot-bed, is an excellent investment in your baby's safety and sleeping habits. It can also be a lovely addition to any nursery. With so many options to pick from, it's always worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and beds available at Cuckooland to find one that suits you.

For each cot, you'll find an array of accessories like soft duvets and premium bed linen. This will allow you to create a an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, ensuring they get the best rest possible.