Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to get caught up in the safety features and specifications when shopping for a small bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less overwhelmed.
Best cot for newborn -style, and quite light this model is a good choice for smaller bedrooms. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the safety and comfort features that your baby deserves. They can be used from the time of birth or until your toddler is able to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children too.
To make the most of your space, choose a model that fits in with your existing bedroom furniture, or one that you can easily dismantle and reassemble if you want to accommodate other baby things. You might also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage or multi-functional designs that combine an armoire, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, so there's something to fit in every space. Many of the designs on our list come with a fitted mattress which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
When you are choosing a cot it's important to measure the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before purchasing. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars, as this should not be 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 is built to last with quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also easy to adjust to your baby's growing needs. However, it's a much more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately when you pick this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the most value cot, is a excellent option for a small nursery. It has a lot of extra features, including teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. It is also super easy to assemble. The mattress is included, but an additional one will be needed for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has an easy mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. These are designed to be more firm than a traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your child will have an enjoyable night's sleep.
These mattresses are cushioned to prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are also free of chemicals and irritants to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's delicate skin.
These mattresses are a great alternative for back and side sleepers, since they provide excellent support for the head, neck and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built in cradling system, which many parents find to be beneficial for reflux and colic.
If you are considering a mattress cot bed that has a cushioned mattress it is essential to verify the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit into the base of the cot. It is also possible to determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations to adhere to when purchasing mattresses for cots, such as the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design by Vox is a great choice for parents who are looking for a cot that grows with their child. It's initially a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to purchase another bed when your baby is ready for it.
The easy-to-use setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated 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 on itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also lightweight and compact and can easily fit into a bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case, and is ideal for taking it to grandparents' homes.
The cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than the other models in our tried-and tested collection. It is designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if they are in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have issues with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it's essential to verify that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. You should also check that it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough space to provide a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should be 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is firm and lies flat in the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Examine the mattress to determine whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it should feel firm.
Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choking risk. It's essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If your cot features a drop-side, check it often to ensure that the mechanism is secured.
Do not put a cot next to an open radiator or a sunny window. They could get too warm or wake up with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other decorative items 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 for the cot.
This cot is definitely worth the extra expense If you're looking for a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's a bit laborious to assemble, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not expensive but it'll last until their toddler years and will look great in any nursery.
Design
It's important to keep in mind that you'll be investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. In contrast to cribs that are used only for a short period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from the time a child is able to easily transition into a toddler or kids single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your baby grows, making sure they are secure and comfortable for a longer time.
A great design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This is an excellent way to give your little one a feeling of independence when they begin to walking around, and can assist them in and out of their bed quickly. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by taking out the front.
The slatted style of many cots is a great option for small spaces, also, since it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This is a significant difference when it comes to comfort, and can make all the difference in trying to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.
A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment in your baby's safety and sleeping habits. It can also be an excellent addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of beds and cots to choose from.
For each cot, you'll find an array of accessories such as soft duvets and high-end bedding. This lets you create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby, ensuring they have the best sleep possible.