Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to concentrate on the safety and features when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and extremely light this model is a great choice for smaller bedrooms. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller 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.
To help recommended cribs maximize your space, look for an item that is compatible with your existing bedroom furniture or one that you can easily dismantle and reassemble if you need to make room for other baby objects. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that incorporates the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, meaning there's something to suit every space. A lot of the designs in our roundup come with an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.
When selecting a cot, it is essential to measure the space in your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it's suitable before you purchase. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars as this should not be more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, that can accommodate the standard 120x60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It is built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. It is also easy to adjust to your baby's increasing needs. It is more expensive than other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the most value-for-money cots. It's loaded with extra features that include teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to fit your baby's growth. It is also super easy to assemble. The mattress is included, however a second one is required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to have an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial ways to help them get a good night's sleep is to select a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. They are designed to be a bit firmer than traditional cot mattresses but are still soft enough so that your child will get the rest of the night.
They are cushioned to reduce the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure they don't cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers, as they offer excellent support for the head, neck and body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling system, which parents have found to be helpful in cases of reflux and colic.
It is essential to determine the size of the mattress and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. You should also determine whether there are specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying a cot mattress including the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for a cot bed that can grow with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially a cot and then converts into an infant bed, saving you from having to buy another bed when your baby is ready for it.
Our test panel was impressed by the simple setup of this cot and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds on itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also light and compact, fitting neatly into a bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress and has plenty of padding and a springy base that can absorb the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note 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 meet. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to transform it into a toddler's bed. Also, make sure it's the correct size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is flat and firm. It could be a suffocation hazard if it is soft, old, or damaged. Check for any sagging areas which could be hazardous and test how the mattress springs back after pressing it. A high-quality mattress for cots should be firm and flat when you press it down on the middle of it.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choke hazard. Babies should be able move around easily and roll during their sleep, so 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 cot has a drop side check it frequently to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
It's recommended to avoid placing a cot close to a radiator or sunny window, as they could get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords on wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children might reach out to grab bars for their cot or even pull themselves up.
This cot is well worth the extra cost If you're looking for an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. It's not the easiest to put together however the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap, but it'll keep your child safe through their toddler years and will look great in any nursery.
Design
It's important to keep in mind that you're likely to invest in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a short time, cots can be used from the moment a baby is born until they are able to safely move to a toddler bed or kids single bed. To ensure that the crib you're buying will last, look for a model that has adjustable base heights. This feature lets you lower the mattress's height as your child grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.
One of the most useful features of the design is the ability to remove cot bars in sections. This will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to crawl and make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.
Many cots have slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby gets a good sleep.
A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby’s safety and sleeping habits. It can also be a lovely addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds to choose from.
There's also various accessories, including baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to create a cozy and welcoming environment for your baby's to get the best possible rest and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.