Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features but consider the aesthetic too. A well-designed cot will make your room appear bigger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style and extremely light This model is a great option for smaller bedrooms. It's also the most simple flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still have all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They are suitable from birth or until your toddler is old enough to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a stylish sofa bed for older kids.
To help you maximize your space, choose a model that fits in with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that can easily disassemble and reassemble when you need to accommodate other baby items. It is also possible to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines the drawers of a chest, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
You can find a wide variety of sizes in our cots for small spaces and cribs roundup, so whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's something to meet your needs. Many of the designs featured in our roundup include 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 purchasing a cot. The gap between the bars should not be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which takes an average 120x60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh-style frame. It's designed to last, with a sturdy build with high-quality materials, and is easy to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. However, it's a much more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll have to purchase a mattress in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the most value cot, is a great option for a compact nursery. It has a lot of extra features that include teething rails. There are also two height positions that can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's growth. It's also easy to put together. It includes a mattress, but you'll need to buy another one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has a comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night's sleep.
The mattresses are cushioned to prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals, as well as other substances that can cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
Typically, these kinds of mattresses are a great choice for side and back sleepers, as they provide great support for neck and head as well as body. These mattresses can be used together with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which is useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
It is important to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it fits in the base of the cot prior buying a cot that is small. Find out if the cot mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, such as a minimum thickness.
If you're in search of an cot that can expand with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It's initially an cot, but it can be converted into an infant bed, saving you from having to buy a new bed when your child is ready for it.
The easy-to-use setup of this cot was praised by our panel. best crib newborn stated that it "came from the box and folded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot then collapses into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also lightweight and compact and fits neatly into a bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.
This cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than the other models in our tried-and tested collection. It's made to feel like an actual mattress with plenty of padding and a springy base that carries weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's also a solid, stable option for both back and side sleepers, but 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 a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to comply with. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to transform it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is the right size for the nursery and is big enough for your child to sleep safely. It should be 140cm x 70cm and should not have gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is firm and lies flat in the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Look for any areas of sagging that could be dangerous and test how the mattress springs back after pressing it. If you press the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it should feel solid.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and other things that could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able move around easily and roll during their sleep, so it's essential that the cot does not have raised corners or cut-outs could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot has drop-sides, be sure to check them often to ensure that the mechanism is secure.
It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot near the sun or a radiator because they may become too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Keep the cot far away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, while older children could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
This cot is worth the extra cost if you want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow, and the wood feels sturdy. It takes some time to assemble. It's not cheap however it will keep your child safe through their toddler years and look great in any nursery.
Design
When you're looking for a small cot bed, you need to keep in mind that you're purchasing something that will last for years. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a short period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to safely transition into a toddler or kids single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height to fit your baby's growth, keeping them safe and comfortable.
Another design element to keep an eye out for is the ability to take off sections of cot bars. This will provide your child with the feeling of independence as they start to toddle and will make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by removing the front.
Many cots have slatted designs that are perfect for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This makes a large difference when it comes to comfort, and could make all the difference in trying to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.
A small cot, or the cot-bed, is an excellent investment in your baby's security and sleeping habits. It can also be an excellent addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds to choose from.
You'll also find that various accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets with premium bed linen, are available for each cot to complete the look. This makes it simple to put together a cosy and comfortable environment for your baby to get the best sleep possible and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.