Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to concentrate on the safety and features when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help 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 also the simplest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still have 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 can be transformed into a chic couch bed for older kids.
To maximize your space, look for the right model that will fit with your existing bedroom furniture, or one that you can easily dismantle and reassemble when you want to make room for other baby items. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that includes a changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, meaning there's something to fit in every space. A lot of the cribs on our list come with a fitted mattress that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
When online cots are choosing a cot it's important to measure the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before making your purchase. The gap between the bars should not be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which takes a standard 120x60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also simple to adapt to your baby's growing needs. However, it's a much more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed and you'll have to buy a separate mattress when you pick this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a small nursery, and it's our pick for the best value cots. It's loaded with extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together too. The mattress is included, but a second one is required for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the best things you can do to ensure they get an excellent night's rest is to select a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. These mattresses are firmer than traditional cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night sleep.
The mattresses are cushioned to help prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used to make the mattress are also free of chemicals and irritants to ensure that they don't irritate the baby's sensitive skin.
Typically, these mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers since they provide excellent support for the neck as well as the head and body. These mattresses can be used together with the built-in cradle of a cot, which is useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
It is crucial to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it fits in the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. You should also determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when purchasing the mattress for a cot, such as the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot that can expand with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, saving you from the expense of buying an entirely new bed once your baby is ready for it.
Our test panel loved this cot's easy setup The 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 up without any complicated mechanisms to deal with. It is also compact and light, fitting in a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot from grandparents home.
This cot is extremely comfy despite being bigger than other models in our tried-and tested collection. 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 in the bouncer. It's also a solid and stable choice for back and side sleepers, however the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
For your baby's safety, it's important to check whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into a toddler bed. You should also check that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough space for a secure 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 firm and laid flat in the cot. If it's old, soft or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Examine the mattress to determine whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should be firm and flat when you press it down on its centre.
Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choke danger. Babies should be able to move freely and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's important that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot is equipped with a drop-side, check it often to ensure that the mechanism is secure.
It's recommended to avoid placing a cot near an open window or a radiator in case they get too hot or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords on wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies and older children may reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a top-quality finish This cot is well worth the investment over the cheaper alternatives. The instructions are easy to follow, and the wood feels sturdy. It takes a while to put together. It's not cheap, but it'll last your child right into their toddler years and will look stunning in any nursery.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're investing in a long-term piece of furniture. In contrast to cribs that are used for a limited period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from the time the time when a child can easily transition into the toddler or single bed. To ensure that the cot you purchase will last, search for a design with adjustable base heights. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's growth, keeping them secure and comfortable.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the capability to remove sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your little one a feeling of independence when they begin to walking around, and can assist them in and out of their bed with ease. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.
The slatted style of many cots is a great option for small spaces, in addition, it assists 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 restful night's sleep.
A small cot or bed is a great investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an attractive addition to any nursery setting. With so many styles to choose from, it's worth taking the time to explore the wide range of cots and cot beds on offer at Cuckooland to find the style that is suitable for your needs.
For each cot, there's a variety of accessories such as soft duvets and high-end bedding. This will allow you to create a an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, making sure they get the best rest possible.