Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small 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 cot will make the space appear larger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style and extremely light this model is a great option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots however they still provide all the comfort and safety features your baby deserves. They are suitable from birth, or until your toddler is able to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a stylish couch bed for older children.
To help you maximize your space, consider a model that fits in with the furniture in your bedroom, or one that you can easily disassemble and reassemble if you want to accommodate other baby things. You may also want to consider a compact cot bed that has built-in storage or multi-functional designs that combine a chest of drawers as well as a changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, so there is something to fit in every space. Many of the designs in our roundup include a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
When choosing a cot, it is essential to measure the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it's suitable before making your purchase. The distance between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
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 construction with high-quality materials, and it's easy to alter as your baby grows. It's more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the best value 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's also easy to put together. It comes with a mattress, but you'll need to buy an additional one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
Pick a small cot that has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep well. These are designed to be firmer than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough that your child will get a good night's rest.
The cushioning of these mattresses also helps to prevent heat retention, which may cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants, chemicals and other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
Typically, these mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for the neck and head as well as body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling feature, which many parents find to be helpful for reflux and colic.
It is crucial to measure the mattress size and ensure that it will fit in the base of the cot before buying a cot that is small. You should also determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying mattresses for cots, such as the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It starts out as an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to purchase an entirely new bed once your baby is ready for it.
The easy-to-use setup of this cot was praised by our panel. cheap cot bed said that it "came out of the box and was unfolded like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down, with no complicated mechanisms to work with. It's also light and compact, fitting neatly into a bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.
This cot is extremely comfy despite its size being higher than the other models in our tried-and tested line-up. It's made to feel like an actual mattress and has plenty of padding and a springy base that can absorb the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're in the bouncer. It's also a sturdy and stable choice for side and back sleepers, however the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby, it's important to check that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into an infant bed. You should also check that it's the right size for your nursery and has enough space for a secure sleep for your baby. It should be 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is firm and laid flat in the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Check for any sagging areas that could be dangerous, and test to see how the mattress springs back when pressing it. A high-quality mattress for cots should feel firm and flat when you press it down on the middle of it.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and other items that could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able to move easily and roll over in their sleep, so it's essential that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that 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.
Avoid placing the cot next to an open radiator or a sunny window. They could get too hot or wake up with sunburn. It is also important to keep your cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, while older children could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
For Scandi style and a high-quality finish This cot is well worth the cost over the cheaper alternatives. The instructions are easy to follow, and the wood feels sturdy. It takes time to put together. It's not expensive, but it will last your child until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're purchasing an item that will last for a long time. Unlike cribs which are used for a limited period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from birth until the time when a child can easily transition into a toddler or a single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress's in height as your child grows, making sure they are in a safe and comfortable position for longer.
Another important feature to keep an eye out for is the capability to take sections of the cot bars. This will give your child a sense of independence when they start to toddle and make it easier to help them get into and out of the bed. For even greater flexibility Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by removing the front of the bed.
Many cots feature slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This makes a large difference in comfort, and could make all the difference in trying to ensure that your child gets an adequate night's rest.
A small cot or bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleep habits and safety, and can be an attractive design element to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds for you to pick from.
For each crib, you'll find an array of accessories like soft duvets and high-end bed linen. This lets you create a an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, making sure they get the best rest possible.