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 consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed cot can help make your room appear bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and extremely light This model is a great option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the simplest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots but they still have 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 turned into a stylish sofa bed for older kids.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and reassembled in the event that you need to make space for other baby items. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multifunctional design that includes a changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.
recommended you read can find a wide variety of sizes in our cots that are small and cribs roundup, so whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there should be something to meet your needs. Many of the designs on our list have mattresses that are fitted, which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
It is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to purchasing a cot. You should also look at the gap between the bars as it should not be greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which can fit a standard 120x60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It is built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your baby's changing needs. It is more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you'll need to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the best value cot, is a ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's loaded with extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to suit the growth of your baby. It is also super easy to put together. It includes a mattress, but you'll need to buy an additional one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
Choose a small cot with a comfortable mattress. This will help your baby rest comfortably. These are designed to be firmer than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your child will have the rest of the night.
The cushioning on these mattresses can also help to reduce heat retention, which may cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
These mattresses are a good alternative for back and side sleepers, as they offer good support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle in a cot, which is useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
When selecting a cot bed with a cushioned mattress, it's important to check the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit inside the base of the cot. You can also find out if there are any other specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when buying mattresses for cots including the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents looking for a cot that grows with their child. It's a cot that transforms into a toddler bed. This will save you the expense of buying an entirely new bed for your child when they are ready.
The user-friendly setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came from the box and was unfolded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds up without a complicated mechanism to handle. It's also small and light, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot from grandparents home.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel as if they're in a bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might be a bit uncomfortable with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it is essential to ensure that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into an infant bed. Make sure it's appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to rest comfortably. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Test the mattress to see if it springs back quickly after pressing. A high-quality cot mattress should feel solid and flat when you press down on the centre of it.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and other items that could pose a choking danger. It's important that babies can move around freely and roll over as they sleep. 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 the heat source or a bright window. It could become too warm or wake up with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords on wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies can be strangled by these, and older children could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.
This cot is definitely worth the extra expense if you want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's not the easiest to put together, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap but it will last into their toddler years.
Design
It is important to consider that you're likely to invest in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. Contrary to cribs that are designed for a brief period of time, cots are suitable from the moment a child is born until they're able to easily transition to an adult bed or a single bed. To ensure that the cot you're buying will last, look out for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your baby grows, ensuring they stay safe and comfortable for longer.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the capability to take sections of the cot bars. This will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to crawl and make it easier for them to get into and out of the 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 a lot of cots is a great option for small spaces, in addition, it assists to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby gets a good sleep.
A compact cot, also known as a cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby's security and sleep habits. It can also be an excellent addition to any nursery. With so many styles to choose from, it's 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 crib, you'll find a variety of accessories like soft duvets and premium bed linen. This will allow you to create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby, making sure they have the best sleep possible.