Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to get caught up in the safety and spec features when you're looking for a compact bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. 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 smaller bedrooms. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still offer all the safety and comfort features that your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready for an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be turned into a chic couch bed for older children.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to make space for other baby things. You may also want to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or multi-functional designs that combine the drawers of a chest as well as a changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
There is a wide variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there should be something to suit your space. A lot of the designs in our roundup have a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
It's important that you take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to buying a crib. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars, as this needs to be no greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and comes with an elegant sleigh-style frame. It is constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your child's increasing requirements. It's more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you will need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the most 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 fit the baby's development. It's also easy to put together. It comes with a mattress, however, you'll need a second for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent you want your baby to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial things you can do to ensure an excellent night's rest is to choose a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. They are more firm than traditional cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night's rest.
These mattresses are cushioned to reduce heat retention which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to your baby's skin.
Typically, these mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers as they provide good support for neck as well as the head and 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 important to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. Find out if the mattress has any particular rules or regulations, such as the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who want an cot that can grow with their child. It's a cot that converts to a toddler bed. This saves you the expense of purchasing an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.
Our panel of testers enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap in place, and the cot folds on itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that is larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting the cot to grandparents' homes.
The cot is extremely comfortable, despite being larger than other models from our tried-and tested line-up. It's designed to feel like a mattress and has plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy, stable option for both side and back sleepers, but the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues 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 comply with. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into an infant bed. Check that it is the correct size for your nursery and is big enough for your child to rest comfortably. It should be 140cm x 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat inside the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Check for any areas of sagging that could be dangerous and then test how the mattress will spring back after pressing on it. A good quality mattress for cots should be solid and flat when you press down on the middle of it.
Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers, and anything else which could be a danger to choking. Babies should be able to move easily and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure you check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secured.
It's important to avoid placing a cot next to a radiator or sunny window in case they become too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Also, keep the cot clear of cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, and older babies could climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
best cots is definitely worth the extra cost if you want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's a bit laborious to assemble, but the instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not expensive however it will last until their toddler years and will look fantastic in any nursery.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's important to keep in mind that you're investing in a long-term piece of furniture. In contrast to cribs, which are only used for a short period of time, cots are appropriate from the time a child is born until they are able to easily transition to the toddler bed or single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. 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 look out for is the capability to take off sections of cot bars. This will give your child a sense of independence when they begin to crawl and make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. For more flexibility the cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a comfortable sofa by removing the front of the bed.
The slatted style of many cribs is a good option for a small space, in addition, it assists to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference when it comes to comfort, and can make the difference to ensure your baby gets a good night's sleep.
A small cot or bed is an excellent investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be a beautiful design element to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of beds and cots to choose from.
There's also various accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets with high-end bed linen are available for every cot to complete the look. This makes it easy to create a cozy and comfortable environment for your baby's to get the best sleep possible and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.