Buying Small Cot Beds
When looking for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but take into account the design too. A well-designed bed can help make smaller rooms appear larger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style, and quite light, this model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. best crib '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 comfort and safety features your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models convert into 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 things. You might also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines a chest of drawers with a changing table and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
You can find a wide variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there's something to suit your space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup have a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
When choosing a cot, it is important to determine the size of your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it will fit before purchasing. You should also look at the space between the bars since this needs to be no greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and comes with an elegant sleigh-style frame. It's built to last, with a sturdy construction with high-quality materials, and is easy to adjust as your child grows. However, it's a much more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll have to purchase a mattress if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a compact nursery, and it's our pick of the most value-for-money cots. It's packed full of extra features, including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together too. It comes with a mattress, however, you'll need another one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
Choose a small cot with an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. They are more firm than the traditional cot mattress, but soft enough to ensure that your child gets a good night sleep.
The cushioning on these mattresses also helps to prevent the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals, as well as other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
affordable cots are a great alternative for back and side sleepers, since they provide good support for neck, head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built in cradling system, which parents have found to be helpful for colic and reflux.
When choosing a small cot bed with a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the dimensions of the mattress as well as whether it will fit inside the cot's base. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, such as a minimum thickness.
If you're looking for a cot bed that can grow with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It starts out as a cot and then converts into an infant bed, saving you from having to buy another bed when your baby is ready to use it.
The easy-to-use configuration of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came out of the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot then collapses into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and lightweight and can easily fit into a bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case and ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.
Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding, and a springy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might have issues with it.
Safety
For your baby's safety, it's important to check whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to transform 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 at minimum 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat in the cot. It could be a suffocation hazard when it is squishy, old, or damaged. Examine the mattress to determine whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots should be firm and lie flat when you press it down on its centre.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able move freely and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's important that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop side check it frequently to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot close to the sun or a radiator in case they get too hot or awake with sunburn. Also, keep the cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. The cords could strangle infants and older children may reach out to grab bars for their cot or pull themselves up.
This cot is well worth the extra cost if you want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. It's not the easiest to put together however the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap but it will last your child until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
It's important to keep in mind that you'll be investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs, which are only used for a short time, cots are appropriate from the moment a baby is born until they can safely transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable base height to ensure that it will last. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's growing needs, while keeping them safe and comfortable.
One of the most useful features of the design is the ability to remove the cot bars into sections. This is an excellent way to provide your baby a sense of independence once they begin playing, and can assist them in and out of their bed quickly. For even greater flexibility Some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cosy sofa simply by removing the front of the bed.
Many cots feature slatted designs that are perfect 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 your baby gets an adequate night's rest.
A small cot, or bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby’s safety and sleeping habits. It can also be an ideal addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of beds and cots to choose from.
You'll also find that a range of accessories, including baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This makes it easy to put together a cosy and comfortable environment for your baby's to get the best possible rest and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.