"Ask Me Anything": Ten Answers To Your Questions About Small Cot Beds
From Shiapedia
Buying Small Cot Beds
When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features but consider the design too. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and extremely light this model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots but they still have all the safety and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models convert into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children as well.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled, then reassembled in case you want to make room for other baby items. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that includes a changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seat in one piece of furniture.
There's a broad range of sizes in our cots that are small and cribs roundup and, therefore, regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there's a bed that will fit your space. Many of the designs on our list come with a fitted mattress that helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
When you are choosing a cot it is essential to measure the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before making your purchase. The distance between the bars should be no greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, that can accommodate the standard 120x60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh-style frame. It's built to last, with a sturdy construction and quality materials, and is simple to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. It's more expensive than the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a smaller nursery and is our choice of the most value-for-money cot. It's stuffed with extra features, including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's super-easy to put together. The mattress is included, however an additional one will be required for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the best cots ways to help them get an adequate night's sleep is to choose a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be a bit firmer than traditional cot mattresses but are still soft enough so that your child will get a good night's rest.
The cushioning on these mattresses also helps to prevent heat retention, which may cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens and chemicals, as well as other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.
Typically, these mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers as they provide good support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized together with the built-in cradle in a cot, which can be helpful for colic or reflux.
It is crucial to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, like a minimum thickness.
If you're in search of an cot bed that will expand with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It is a cot that transforms into an infant bed. This saves you the expense of purchasing an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.
Our panel of testers was impressed by the simple setup of this cot and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down without any complicated mechanisms to work with. It is also compact and light, fitting in the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents' homes.
Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and-tested range, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're in the bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have issues with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby, it's important to check whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is the correct size for your nursery and has enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should be 140cm x 70cm, and not have any gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is level and firm. It can be an entrapment hazard in the event that it is soft, old, or damaged. Check for any sagging areas which could be hazardous and then test how the mattress springs back when pressing it. A good quality mattress for cots should feel solid and flat when you press it down on its centre.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and other items that could cause choking. It's essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If your crib has a drop-side check it frequently to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot close to an open window or a radiator in case they get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. You should also keep the cot away from wall mounted curtain cords or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. These cords can strangle babies, and older children could reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a high-quality finish, this cot is worth the extra investment over the cheaper alternatives. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap but it will last your child through their toddler years.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's important to keep in mind that you're investing in something that will last for years. Contrary to cribs that are only used for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the moment a child is born until they are able to safely transition to an adult bed or a 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 growth, keeping them safe and comfortable.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the capability to remove sections of cot bars. This will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to play and make it easier to help them get into and out of the bed. To make it even more flexible Some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot - https://yogicentral.Science/ - can be transformed into a cozy sofa by taking the front off of the bed.
The slatted design of many cribs is a good option for small spaces, in addition, it assists to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and will ensure that your baby has a restful night.
A compact cot, also known as a the cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby's security and sleeping habits. It's also a lovely addition to any nursery. With so many styles to pick from, it's worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and cot beds on offer at Cuckooland to find one that suits you.
There's also an array of accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets with top quality bed linen, are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, making sure they get the best cot bed rest possible.
