"Ask Me Anything": Ten Answers 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 on the specs and safety features, but take into account the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can help make smaller rooms appear larger and less overwhelmed.
This model is perfect for smaller bedrooms. It's light and stroller-style. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.
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 a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models convert into an elegant sofa bed for use with older children as well.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled when you need to make room for other baby items. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seat in 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. A majority of the designs on our list have a fitted mattress that helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
When selecting a cot, it's important to take measurements of the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it will fit before you purchase. The distance between the bars should not be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and has a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's built to last with a sturdy build and quality materials, and is simple to adjust as your child grows. It's more expensive than other cots we've reviewed, and you'll have to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a compact nursery, and it's our pick for the most affordable cots. It's loaded with extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to fit your baby's growth. It's also easy to put together. It comes with a mattress, but you'll need to buy another one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment and one of the best options to help them get an excellent night's rest is to select a small cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are more rigid than traditional cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure that your baby gets a good night's sleep.
They are cushioned to prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used to make the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals so that they won't disturb the baby's sensitive skin.
Typically, these types of mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for the neck and head as well as body. These mattresses can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle of a cot, which can be useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
When choosing a small mattress cot bed that has a cushioned mattress, it's important to check the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit inside the cot's base. Find out if the mattress has any particular rules or regulations, for instance a minimum thickness.
The adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who want a cot that will grow with their child. It's initially an cot, but it can be converted into an infant bed, saving you from the expense of buying a new bed when your child is ready for it.
The easy-to-use setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came from the box and folded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap in place, and the cot folds into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also small and light, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents home.
This cot sales is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than the other models in our tried-and tested range. It's designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if they're in the bouncer. It's also a sturdy and stable choice for side and back sleepers, however the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
It's vital to ensure that the cot you choose is safe for your child. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into an infant bed. You should also check that it's the correct size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide a safe sleep for your little one. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is flat and firm. It could pose a suffocation hazard if it is soft or worn out. Examine the mattress to determine whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. When you press down on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress it should feel firm.
Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choke hazard. Babies should be able move easily and roll over 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 cot features a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Do not put your cot near the heat source or a bright window. They could get too warm or mini cot beds awake with sunburn. It is also important to keep the cot clear of cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies, and older children could reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a premium finish This cot is well worth the investment over the cheaper alternatives. The instructions are clear, and the wood feels sturdy. It takes time to assemble. It's not cheap but it will last your child into their toddler years.
Design
It is important to consider that you'll be investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Contrary to cribs that are used only for a short period of time, cots are appropriate from the time a child is born until they can safely move to an adult bed or a single bed. To ensure that the cot you're buying will last, look for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to fit your baby's growth, keeping them safe and comfy.
Another design element to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to give your baby a sense of independence once they start playing, and can help them get in and out of their bed quickly. To make it even more flexible, some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cosy sofa simply by taking the front off of the bed.
The slatted style of many cribs is a good option for a small space, also, since it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This makes a large difference in comfort and can make all the difference in trying to ensure your baby gets an adequate night's rest.
A cot-sized or small bed is a great investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an excellent design element to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds for you to choose from.
For each cot, you'll find an array of accessories, sale Cot including soft duvets and premium bedding. This makes it easy to create a cozy and welcoming environment for your baby's to get the best infant cribs quality sleep and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.