7 Simple Changes That'll Make A Huge Difference In Your Small Cot Beds
Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to get caught up in the safety and spec features when looking for a smaller bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed cot will make a room feel bigger and less clutter-filled.
Baby Cot Bed -style and extremely light This model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the most simple flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots however, they still offer all the safety and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children, too.
Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to make space for other baby things. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that incorporates 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 features a range of sizes, so there is something to suit every space. Many of the designs in our roundup come with an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
When you are choosing a cot it is essential to measure the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to make sure it's suitable before you purchase. The gap between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, which can fit a standard 120 x 60cm mattress and features a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It's designed to last, with a sturdy build with high-quality materials, and it's easy to alter as your baby grows. However, it's a more expensive option than some of the other cots on our list, and you'll need to buy a separate mattress if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is a great option for a compact nursery. It's loaded with extra features such as teething rails. There are also two height positions that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. It's also easy to assemble. The mattress is included, but a second one is required to help with the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the best options to help them get an excellent night's rest is to choose a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. These are designed to be more firm than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your child will have the rest of the night.
The cushioning of these mattresses also helps to prevent heat retention, which may cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants and chemicals, as well as other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
These mattresses are a good alternative for back and side sleepers as they provide excellent support for the head, neck and body. These mattresses can be used together with the built-in cradle in a cot, which can be beneficial for reflux or colic.
If you are considering a cot bed with cushions it is essential to verify the size of the mattress and if it will fit into the base of the cot. 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 grows with their child. It's a cot which can be converted into an infant bed. This will save you the expense of buying an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.
Our panel of test participants enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum 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 up, with no complicated mechanisms to deal with. It is also compact and light, fitting in a carry case that is larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot to grandparents home.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It's made to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that carries weight without making your baby feel like they're in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy and stable choice for back and side sleepers however the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.
Safety
For your baby's safety, it's important to check 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 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. Make sure it's the correct size for your nursery and provides enough space for your child to be safe. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. If it's old, soft or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Examine the mattress to determine 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 clear of any toys, stickers, and anything else which could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able move around easily and roll throughout their sleep, which is why it's essential that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot features a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secure.
Avoid placing your cot near the heat source or a bright window. It is possible that they will become too warm or wake up with sunburn. It is also important to keep the cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, while older children could climb up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.
This cot is worth the extra cost if you want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels sturdy. It takes time to put together. It's not cheap, but it will last your child until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's important to remember that you're purchasing an item that will last for a long time. Unlike cribs which are used for a limited period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from the time the time when a child can safely transition to a toddler or a single bed. To ensure the cot you purchase will last, look out for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's development, ensuring they are secure and comfortable.
A great design feature is the ability to take out the cot bars into sections. This will give your child an impression of independence once they start to toddle and will make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. For even greater flexibility Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cozy sofa by removing the front of the bed.
Many cots come with slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This is a significant difference when it comes to comfort, and can make the difference to ensure that your baby has a good night's sleep.
A small cot, or bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby’s safety and sleeping habits. It can also be a lovely addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds to choose from.
There's also a range of accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets made of high-end bed linen are available for every cot to complete the look. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they are getting the best quality sleep possible.