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Buying Small Cot Beds

When you are looking for a compact cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less overwhelmed.

This model is ideal for smaller bedrooms. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the most simple flatpack to assemble.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still provide all the safety and comfort features that your baby requires. They can be used from birth or until your toddler is able to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children too.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to store other baby items. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates the 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 small cot beds and cribs roundup, so whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's something to suit your space. Many of the designs that we have listed come with a fitted mattress which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.

It is crucial to measure the space available in your nursery prior to purchasing a cot. The gap between the bars should be no greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and features an elegant sleigh-style frame. It's built to last with a sturdy build and high-quality materials, and is simple to adjust as your child grows. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll have to buy a separate mattress in the event you opt for this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is a ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's loaded with extra features that include teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to suit your baby's growth. It's also easy to put together. The mattress is included, however an additional 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 infant cribs options to ensure they get an adequate night's sleep is to select a small cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. These are designed to be more firm than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough to ensure that your child will have the rest of the night.

They are cushioned to help prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's sensitive skin.

Typically, these kinds of mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers since they provide excellent support for neck and head as well as body. They can be used together with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which is beneficial for reflux or colic.

When choosing a small crib bed with cushions it is essential to verify the size of the mattress and whether it will fit inside the base of the cot. You can also find out whether there are specific rules and regulations to adhere to when purchasing mattresses for cots like the minimum thickness.

If you're in search of a cot bed that can adapt to your child's needs, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to buy another bed when your baby is ready for it.

Our panel of test participants was impressed by the simple setup of this cot The mom 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, with no complicated mechanisms to handle. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting neatly into a bag slightly larger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for taking it to grandparents' homes.

Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding, and a springy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they are in a bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have issues with it.

Safety

It's vital to make sure that the cot bed you pick is safe for your child. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into an infant bed. Verify that it's appropriate for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure the mattress is level and firm. If it's old, soft or damaged, it could create a risk of suffocation. Examine the mattress to determine if it springs back quickly after pressing. A high-quality cot mattress should feel firm and lie flat when you press it down on the centre of it.

Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other items that could be a choking danger. It is essential that babies move around freely and roll over during sleep. If your cot is equipped with a drop-side, check it often to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.

It's recommended to avoid placing a cot near a radiator or sunny window because they may get too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Keep the cot away from wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children may reach out to grab cot bars or pull themselves up.

This cot is worth the extra money If you're looking for an Scandi-style design and a high 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 into their toddler years.

Design

When shopping for a small cot bed, it's important to remember that you're purchasing an item that will last for a long time. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a brief period of time, cots are appropriate from the moment a child is born until they can safely transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to fit your baby's growth, keeping them safe and comfortable.

Another design element to look for is the ability to take off sections of the cot bars. This is a great crib way to give your child a sense of independence when they begin to toddle, and will aid them in getting into and out of their bed quickly. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.

The slatted design of a lot of cribs is a good cribs option for a small space too, as it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby enjoys a good sleep.

A small cot or cot bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleep habits and safety, and can be an excellent design element to any nursery. With so many styles to choose from, it's worth taking the time to look through the entire selection of cots and beds on offer at Cuckooland to find the style that suits you.

For each cot, there's a variety of accessories, including soft duvets and high-end bedding. This allows you to create a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, ensuring they are getting the best cot newborn quality sleep possible.