Buying Small Cot Beds
When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features but consider the design too. A well-designed bed can make smaller rooms appear larger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style, and quite light this model is an excellent option for smaller bedrooms. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still provide all the security and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models convert to a stylish sofa bed for use with older children, too.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt when you need to store other baby items. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that incorporates the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and benches into one piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, meaning there's something to fit in every space. Many of the designs on our list have a fitted mattress that helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When choosing a cot, it is essential to determine the size of your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to ensure it will fit before making your purchase. The gap between the bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot that can accommodate a standard 120x60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also easy to adapt to your child's increasing needs. It is more expensive than other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the most value cot, is another ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It comes with a variety of extra features that include teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to fit your baby's growth. It's also easy to assemble. The mattress is included, however an additional one is required for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment and one of the most beneficial options to help them get an excellent night's rest is to choose a small cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be more firm than the traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your child will have a good night's rest.
The cushioning on these mattresses can also help to reduce heat retention, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens and chemicals, as well as 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 neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized together with the built-in cradle in the cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.
When choosing a small crib bed with a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the size of the mattress as well as whether it can be placed inside the base of the cot. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, like the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot that can grow with your child take a look at 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 purchase a new bed when your baby is ready for it.
Our panel of testers loved this cot's easy setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap in place, and the cot folds into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also small and light, fitting in the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. cots to tots makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents at their homes.
This cot is extremely comfy, despite being larger than other models in our tried-and tested line-up. 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 like they are in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might have a problem with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it is essential to ensure that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to comply with. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into an infant bed. Make sure it's the correct size for your nursery and provides enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should be 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat inside the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Examine for any sagging areas which could be hazardous and test how quickly the mattress will spring back after pressing on it. When you press down on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.
Keep the cot free of any toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able to move freely and roll over during their sleep, so it's essential that the cot does not have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
It's recommended to avoid placing a cot close to the sun or a radiator in case they get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Also, keep your cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. Babies can get caught by these, and older babies could climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
For Scandi style and a premium finish, this cot is worth the cost over other cheaper options. The instructions are easy to follow, and the wood feels sturdy. It takes a while to assemble. It's not cheap but it will last through their toddler years.
Design
When you're looking for a small cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're likely purchasing something that will last for years. Contrary to cribs that are used only for a short period of time, cots are appropriate from the time a child is born until they are able to safely transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. To ensure the cot you buy will last, search for a design with adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's height to accommodate your child's development, ensuring they are safe and comfy.
Another design element to keep an eye out for is the capability to take off sections of cot bars. This is a great way to give your baby a sense of independence when they begin to playing, and can help them get in and out of their bed with ease. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.
The slatted design of many cribs is a good option for a small space in addition, it assists air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby has an enjoyable sleep.
A cot-sized or small bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be a beautiful design element to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to pick from.
For each crib, you'll find an array of accessories like soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This makes it easy to create a cozy and warm environment for your baby to enjoy the best quality sleep and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.