Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the specs and safety features but consider the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style and extremely light, this model is a great option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the simplest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots but they still have all the safety and comfort features your baby deserves. They can be used from birth, or until your toddler is ready to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert to a stylish sofa bed for use with older children, too.
To help you make the most of your space, look for the right model that will fit with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that can easily take apart and put up again when you need to put in other baby objects. You might also want to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or multi-functional designs that combine a chest of drawers, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our list of cots for small children and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there is something to suit every space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup come with a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
It's important that you determine the size of your nursery prior to purchasing a crib. The distance between the bars should not be greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and has a beautiful sleigh style frame. It is built to last with quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also simple to adapt to your baby's growing requirements. However, it's a more expensive option than some of 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 is another fantastic option for a compact nursery, and it's our pick for the most affordable cots. It has a lot of extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to suit the growth of your baby. It is also super easy to assemble. The mattress is included, but another one will be needed to help with the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your child to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial things you can do to help them get an excellent night's rest is to select a small cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. They are more firm than the traditional cot mattress but are soft enough to ensure that your child gets a good night's rest.
The mattress's cushioning can also help to reduce the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens, chemicals and other substances that can cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
These mattresses are a great alternative for back and side sleepers, since they provide good support for the neck, head and body. These mattresses can be used together with the built-in cradle that comes with the cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.
It is essential to determine the mattress's size and make sure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior buying a cot that is small. It is also possible to determine whether there are specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when buying mattresses for cots like the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot that can expand with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It is initially a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, saving you from having to buy another bed when your baby is ready for it.
Our panel of testers 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 camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds up without any complicated mechanisms to deal with. It's also compact and light, fitting in the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot from grandparents home.
This cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than the other models in our tried-and-tested range. It is designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel as if they're in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have a problem with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it's important to check that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to comply with. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. You should also check that it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough room for a safe sleep for your little one. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is flat and firm. If it's old, soft or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Check for any areas of sagging which could be hazardous, and test to see how the mattress springs back after pressing down on it. If you press the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.
Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choke risk. It's important that babies can move freely and turn over as they sleep. If your cot is equipped with drop-sides, make sure you check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secured.
Do not put your cot near the heat source or a window that is sunny. It could become too warm or wake up with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Babies can be strangled by these cords, while older babies could climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
This cot is well worth the extra money If you're looking for an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. It's not the easiest to put together but the directions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not expensive, but it will last until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're likely purchasing something that will last for years. In contrast to cribs, which are used only for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the time a child is born until they're able to safely move 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 as your baby grows, helping them stay safe and comfortable for longer.
A useful design feature is the ability to take out the cot bars into sections. This is an excellent way to provide your baby a sense of independence when they begin to walking around, and can aid them in getting into and out of their bed quickly. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa simply by removing the front.
Many cots come with slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. cot sales can make a huge difference in comfort, and can make the difference to ensure your baby gets a restful night's sleep.
A small cot or bed is a great investment for your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an excellent addition to any nursery setting. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to choose from.
There's also an array of accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets with top quality bed linen, are available for each cot to complete the look. This allows you to create a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, making sure they have the best sleep possible.