Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to get caught up in the safety and spec features when you're looking for a compact bed. But don't forget the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can help make a room feel bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight this model is an excellent option for smaller bedrooms. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots, but they still have all the comfort and safety features your baby deserves. They can be used from the time of birth, or until your toddler is ready to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children, too.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and reassembled in the event that you need to make space for other baby items. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
You can find a wide selection of sizes in our cots that are small and cribs roundup, so no matter if you have a small nursery or a huge playroom there's something to fit your space. Many of the designs in our roundup include an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.
When choosing a cot, it is essential to measure the space in your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to ensure it's suitable before you purchase. You should also look at the gap between the bars, as this needs to be no more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which takes the standard 120x60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It's designed to last, with a sturdy construction with high-quality materials, and is easy to alter as your child grows. It's more expensive than other cots we've reviewed, and you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a compact nursery, and it's our pick for the best value cots. It's packed full of extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together too. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy an additional one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has a comfortable mattress. most recommended cribs will help your baby sleep well. They are more firm than traditional cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest.
The cushioning on these mattresses also helps to prevent heat retention, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used to make the mattress are also free of irritants and chemical to ensure that they don't irritate 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. These mattresses can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle that comes with the cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.
It is important to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. You should also determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when purchasing mattresses for cots including the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents who are looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It's initially a cot but can later be transformed into a toddler bed, saving you from having to purchase another bed when your child is ready for it.
The user-friendly setup of this cot was praised by our panel. recommended cribs said that it "came out of the box and folded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds into itself without any complicated mechanisms to deal with. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting neatly into a carry bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to grandparents' homes.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It is designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel as if they're in the bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might have a problem with it.
Safety
It is crucial to ensure that the cot bed you select is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to transform 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 baby. It should be 140cm x 70cm, and not have any gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. It can be an entrapment hazard if it is soft or worn out. Look for any areas of sagging that could pose a danger, and test to see how the mattress will spring back after pressing on it. A good quality mattress for cots should feel firm and lie flat when you press it down on its centre.
Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and other things that could be a choking hazard. Babies should be able move freely and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's important that the cot does not have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot features drop-sides, be sure to check them often to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
It's recommended to avoid placing a cot near an open window or a radiator because they may get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, and older children may pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
For Scandi style and a premium finish the cot is worth the cost over other cheaper options. The instructions are clear, and the wood feels sturdy. It takes time to put together. It's not cheap, but it'll last until their toddler years and look fantastic in any nursery.
Design
It is important to remember that you'll be investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs, which are used only for a brief period of time, cots are suitable from the time a child is born until they're able to safely transition to the toddler bed or single bed. To ensure that the crib you buy will last, search for a model that has adjustable base heights. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height as your child grows, making sure they are in a safe and comfortable position for longer.
Another useful design feature to look for is the ability to remove sections of cot bars. This is a great way to give your little one a feeling of independence once they start playing, and can help them get in and out of their bed with ease. To make it even more flexible, some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a comfortable sofa by removing the front of the bed.
The slatted design of many cots is a great option for small spaces, also, since it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep and can help ensure that your baby enjoys an enjoyable sleep.
A small cot or cot bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleep habits and security, and is an attractive addition to any nursery setting. With so many options to pick from, it's always worth taking the time to look through the entire selection of cots and beds available at Cuckooland to find a style that is suitable for your needs.
For each crib, you'll find various accessories, including soft duvets and premium bedding. This lets you create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your child, ensuring they have the best sleep possible.