Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to concentrate on the safety features and specifications when you're looking for a compact bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can help make a room feel bigger and less cluttered.
This model is perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the most simple flatpack to put together.
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 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 converted into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children as well.
To help you make the most of your space, consider the right model that will fit with the furniture in your bedroom, or one that you can easily disassemble and reassemble if you need to put in other baby items. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our list of cots for small children and cribs features a range of sizes, so there is something to suit every space. Many of the designs in our roundup come with a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
When selecting a cot, it is important to take measurements of the space in your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it will fit before you purchase. The distance between the bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh style frame. It is built to last with quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also easy to adapt to your child's increasing requirements. It's more expensive than other cots in our list and you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the best value cot, is another excellent option for a small nursery. It has a lot of extra features that include teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to suit the baby's development. It is also super easy to put together. The mattress is included, however an additional one will be required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the most beneficial options to ensure they get a good night's sleep is to pick a smaller crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your child will get the rest of the night.
The mattresses are cushioned to help prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants, chemicals and other substances that can cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
These mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers, as they offer good support for the head, neck and body. They can be used together with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which is beneficial for reflux or colic.
If you are considering a cot bed with a cushioned mattress it is essential to verify the size of the mattress and whether it can be placed inside the base of the cot. You should also determine whether there are specific rules and regulations to adhere to when purchasing the mattress for a cot like the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents who want a cot that grows with their child. It is a cot that transforms into an infant bed. This will save you the expense of buying a new bed for your child when they are ready.
Our panel of testers loved this cot's easy setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds up without a complicated mechanism to work with. It's also compact and lightweight and fits neatly into a bag slightly larger than a camp chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.
Despite being larger than other models in our tried and tested range, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's made to feel like an actual mattress and has plenty of padding and a bouncy base that absorbs weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's also a sturdy, stable option for both side and back sleepers, however the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle with it.
Safety
It's vital to ensure that the cot bed you select is safe for your child. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to transform it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is appropriate for the nursery and has enough space for your child to be safe. Cots For Tots UK should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is flat and firm. It could pose a suffocation hazard if it is soft, old, or damaged. Check the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should feel firm and flat when you press down on the centre of it.
Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and other things that could pose a choke hazard. It's important that babies can be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If your cot has a drop side check it frequently to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
Do not place your cot near the heat source or a bright window. They could get too warm or wake up with sunburn. Keep the cot away from wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these, and older babies could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.
This cot is definitely worth the extra cost for those who want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are clear, and the wood feels sturdy. It takes a while to assemble. It's not cheap but it will last into their toddler years.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, you need to remember that you're likely investing in a long-term piece of furniture. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a short time, cots can be used from the moment a child is born until they can easily transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. To ensure the cot you're buying will last, look for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to fit your baby's development, ensuring they are secure and comfortable.
Another important feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. This is a great way to give your little one a feeling of independence once they begin toddle, and will help them get in and out of their bed easily. For even greater flexibility the cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cozy sofa by taking the front off of the bed.
The slatted design of many cots is a great option for a small space too, as it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This makes a large difference when it comes to comfort, and could make the difference to ensure that your baby has an adequate night's rest.
A small cot, or bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby's security and sleep habits. It can also be an ideal addition to any nursery. With so many styles to pick from, it's worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and beds on offer at Cuckooland to find the style that's perfect for you.
For each crib, you'll find various accessories, including soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This makes it simple to put together a cosy and welcoming environment for your baby's to get the best possible rest and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.