Buying Small Cot Beds
When you are looking for a compact cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but take into account the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style and extremely light this model is a good option for smaller bedrooms. It's also the simplest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots however they still provide all the safety and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used from birth or until your toddler is ready to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be turned into a stylish sofa bed for older children.
To help you maximize your space, look for an item that is compatible with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that you can easily dismantle and reassemble if you need to put in other baby things. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that includes a changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
You can find a wide range of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that no matter if you have a small nursery or a huge playroom there's a bed that will meet your needs. A lot of the cribs on our list come with a fitted mattress that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When you are choosing a cot it's important to measure the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to make sure it will fit before making your purchase. You should also look at the space between the bars since it should not be more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's designed to last, with a sturdy build and high-quality materials, and it's easy to adjust as your child grows. It's more expensive than other cribs on our list, and you will need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is another excellent option for a small nursery. It's loaded with extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to suit the growth of your baby. It's also easy to assemble. The mattress is included, however a second one is required to help with the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your baby to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment and one of the best things you can do to help them get a good night's sleep is to select a small cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. They are more firm than the traditional cot mattress however they are soft enough to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.
The cushioning of these mattresses also helps to prevent heat retention, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants chemical compounds and other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.
These mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers as they provide adequate support for the head, neck and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built in cradling, which many parents find to be beneficial for colic and reflux.
It is crucial to measure the mattress size and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior buying a cot that is small. Find out if cot sales is subject to any specific rules or regulations, for instance the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot that can adapt to your child's needs take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's a cot that transforms into an infant bed. This will save you the cost of buying a new bed for your child when they are ready.
The simple setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came out of the box and folded like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot then collapses into itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot from grandparents home.
This cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than other models in our tried-and tested line-up. It's designed to feel 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 the bouncer. It's also a solid and stable choice for back and side sleepers though the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle with it.
Safety
It is crucial to ensure that the cot bed you pick is safe for your child. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to convert it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to be safe. It should be 140cm x 70cm, and not have any gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure that the mattress is firm and laid flat inside the cot. It could be an entrapment hazard if it is soft, old, or damaged. Check for any sagging areas which could be hazardous, and test to see how quickly the mattress springs back when pressing it. A high-quality cot mattress should feel firm and flat when you press it down on the middle of it.
Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and anything else that could pose a choke risk. Babies should be able move freely and roll over in their sleep, so it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.
Do not put a cot next to an open radiator or a window that is sunny. They could get too hot or wake up with sunburn. Keep the cot away from wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other accessories with long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children may reach out to grab cot bars or even pull themselves up.
This cot is well worth the extra money for those who want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood is solid. It takes some time to assemble. It's not expensive but it'll keep your child safe through their toddler years and look fantastic in any nursery.
Design
When you're looking for a small cot bed, you need to keep in mind that you're purchasing an item that will last for a long time. Contrary to cribs that are only used for a brief period of time, cots are appropriate from the moment a baby is born until they are able to easily transition to an adult bed or a single bed. To ensure that the crib you buy will last, look for a model that has adjustable base heights. This feature lets you lower the mattress's height as your baby grows, ensuring they stay in a safe and comfortable position for longer.
A useful design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This will provide your child with a sense of independence when they begin to play and make it easier for them to get into and out of bed. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa simply by removing the front.
The slatted design of many cots is an excellent choice for a small space 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 in trying to ensure that your child gets an adequate night's rest.
A small cot, or bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby’s security and sleeping habits. It can also be an ideal addition to any nursery. With so many styles to choose from, it's always worth the effort to browse the full selection of cots and beds on offer at Cuckooland to find a style that's perfect for you.
For each cot, there's various accessories, including soft duvets and high-end bedding. This makes it easy to create a warm and warm environment for your baby to get the best sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.