"Ask Me Anything " 10 Responses To Your Questions About Small Cot Beds
Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the specifications and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can make the small space appear bigger and less clutter-filled.
This model is ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's also the simplest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still provide all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models convert to an elegant sofa bed for use with older children, too.
To help you maximize your space, look for a model that fits in with the furniture in your bedroom, or one that you can easily dismantle and put up again when you want to accommodate other baby items. It is also possible to think about a compact cot bed that has built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines an armoire as well as a changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
You can find a wide variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup and, therefore, regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there should be something to meet your needs. Many of the designs in our roundup have a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.
When selecting a cot bed sales, it's important to measure the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it will fit before making your purchase. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars as it should not be more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and features a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's built to last, with a sturdy construction and quality materials, and it's easy to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. It is more expensive than other cots in our list and you will need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a compact nursery, and it's our pick of the best value cots. It's loaded with extra features, including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together. The mattress is included, but another one will be required for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby rest comfortably. They are designed to be more firm than a traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your child will have a good night's rest.
The cushioning of these mattresses helps in preventing the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of chemicals and irritants so that they won't disturb your baby's delicate skin.
These mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers as they provide good support for the neck, head and body. They can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which is beneficial for reflux or colic.
If you are considering a mattress cot bed that has cushions it is important to determine the dimensions of the mattress as well as whether it will fit into the cot's base. You can also find out whether there are specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying a cot mattress, such as the minimum thickness.
The adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents who are looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It is initially an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from the expense of buying a new bed when your child is ready for it.
Our panel of test participants loved this cot's easy setup The 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 over itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also light and compact and fits neatly into a bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case and 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 is 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 solid, 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 in case you're planning to convert it into a toddler's bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough room for a safe sleep for your little one. It should be at minimum 140cm by 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could create a risk of suffocation. Test the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should be firm and flat when you press it down on the middle of it.
Keep the cot free of any toys, stickers and anything else that could be a danger to choking. Babies must be able to move freely and roll over in their sleep, so it's important that the cot does not 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 locks securely.
Avoid placing the cot next to a radiator or a sunny window. It could become too warm or wake up with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, while older babies could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
For Scandi style and a high-quality finish the cot is worth the extra investment over the cheaper alternatives. It's a bit laborious to put together however the instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not expensive, but it will last until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's important to remember that you're likely investing in a long-term piece of furniture. Contrary to most recommended cribs that are designed for a short time, cots can be used from the moment a child is born until they are able to safely move to the toddler bed or single bed. To ensure the cot you purchase will last, look out for a model with adjustable base heights. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's development, ensuring they are safe and comfy.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to remove sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your child a sense of independence once they start playing, and can assist them in and out of their bed quickly. For more flexibility Some cot beds such as the Leander Luna baby cots on sale (from the fewpal.com blog) Cot can also be converted into a comfortable 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 infant. This makes a large difference in comfort and can make all the difference in trying to ensure your baby gets a restful night's sleep.
A cot-sized or small bed is a great investment for your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an excellent accessory to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to choose from.
You'll also find that a range of accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets made of top quality bed linen, are available for each cot to complete the look. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they get the best infant cribs rest possible.