A Brief History Of Small Cot Beds History Of Small Cot Beds
Buying Small Cot Beds
When looking for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up on the specs and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can help make a small room appear larger and less overwhelmed.
This model is ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots however, they still offer all the comfort and safety features your baby deserves. They can be used from birth, or until your toddler is old enough to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed for use with older children, too.
To make mini cotbed of your space, choose a model that fits in with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that can easily dismantle and put up again when you need to put in other baby objects. It is also possible to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines a chest of drawers with a changing table and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, meaning there's something for every space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup include a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
When choosing a cot, it is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before purchasing. The gap between the bars should be no greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has an elegant sleigh-style frame. It's built to last with quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also simple to adapt to your child's changing needs. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other cots on our list and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the best value cot, is another excellent option for a small nursery. It's stuffed 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 too. mini cotbed is included, however an additional one is required for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to have an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment and one of the most beneficial options to ensure an excellent night's rest is to select a small cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be firmer than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your child will get the rest of the night.
The mattress's cushioning helps in preventing the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used to make the mattress are free of chemicals and irritants to ensure they don't cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers as they provide adequate support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized in conjunction with the built-in cradle of a cot, which can be helpful for colic or reflux.
If you are considering a crib bed with cushions, it's important to check the dimensions of the mattress as well as whether it can be placed inside the cot's base. Find out if the cot mattress has any particular rules or regulations, like the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design by Vox is a great option for parents who want a cot that will grow with their child. It starts out as an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, saving you from having to buy a new bed when your baby is ready to use it.
Our test panel was impressed by the simple setup of this cot, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds up without any complicated mechanisms to deal with. It's also lightweight and compact and can easily fit into a carry bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case and ideal for taking it to the grandparents' homes.
This cot is extremely comfy, despite being larger than other models from our tried and tested collection. It's designed to feel as an actual mattress and has plenty of padding and a bouncy base that absorbs the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might be a bit uncomfortable with it.
Safety
It is essential to make sure that the cot bed you pick is safe for your baby. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the right size for your nursery and has enough space for a secure sleep for your baby. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is level and firm. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Examine the mattress to determine whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. When you press down on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it will feel firm.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choking risk. It's important that babies can be able to move around freely and rotate while they sleep. If your cot has drop-sides, be sure to check them frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secured.
Avoid placing your cot near the heat source or a window that is sunny. It is possible that they will become too warm or awake with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Babies can be strangled by these cords, and older children could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
For Scandi style and a high-quality finish This cot is well worth the cost over other cheaper options. It's a bit time-consuming to put together, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. 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 keep in mind that you're purchasing something that will last for years. In contrast to cribs that are used only for a short period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from birth until a child is able to safely transition into a toddler or kids single bed. To ensure that the cot you buy will last, look for a model that has adjustable base heights. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height as your baby grows, ensuring they stay in a safe and comfortable position for longer.
Another design element to keep an eye for is the ability to take sections of the cot bars. This will provide your child with an impression of independence once they begin to play and make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa simply by removing the front.
The slatted style of many cots is a great option for small spaces, too, as it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This is a significant difference in comfort and can make all the difference when trying to ensure your baby gets an adequate night's rest.
A small cot, or bed for cots, is a fantastic investment in your baby's safety and sleeping habits. It can also be a lovely addition to any nursery. With so many styles to choose from, it's worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and beds on offer at Cuckooland to find one that is suitable for your needs.
You'll also find that an array of accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets with premium bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they are getting the best quality sleep possible.