Buying Small Cot Beds
When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but you should also consider the design too. A well-designed cot can help make a room feel bigger and less clutter-filled.
This model is ideal for smaller bedrooms. It's light and stroller-style. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots however, they still offer all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. Best cot for newborn can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a stylish sofa bed to use with older children.
Choose a model that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled when you need to store other baby items. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seat in one piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, so there's something to suit every space. A lot of the designs in our roundup include a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.
It's important that you determine the size of your nursery prior to purchasing a crib. The distance between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, that can accommodate a standard 120 x 60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last with quality materials and a sturdy structure. It is also easy to adapt to your baby's increasing needs. It is more expensive than the other cots we've reviewed, and you will need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the most value cot, is a great option for a compact nursery. It's packed full of 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 another one will be required for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your child to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment and one of the most beneficial things you can do to ensure they get an adequate night's sleep is to pick a smaller crib bed with a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your child will have the rest of the night.
The cushioning of these mattresses helps in preventing the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants, chemicals and other substances that can cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
These mattresses are a good option for side and back sleepers as they provide adequate support for the head, neck and body. These mattresses can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which is beneficial for reflux or colic.
It is important to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior buying a cot that is small. Find out if the mattress has any particular rules or regulations, such as the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design by Vox is a great choice for parents who want a cot that grows with their child. It is a cot that converts to a toddler bed. This will save you the expense of purchasing a new bed for your child once they are ready.
The user-friendly configuration of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came out of the box and unfolded just like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds up, with no complicated mechanisms to work with. It is also compact and lightweight, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents home.
The cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than the other models in our tried-and-tested collection. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding, and a springy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel as if they are in a bouncer. It's also a solid, stable option for both back and side sleepers, though 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 whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to comply with. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. Make sure it's the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat in the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Check for any sagging areas that could pose a danger, and test to see how the mattress springs back after pressing down on it. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress it should feel firm.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choke danger. Babies should be able to move freely and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's also important that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot is equipped with a drop-side, check it often to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Avoid placing the cot next to a radiator or a window that is sunny. It is possible that they will become too hot or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot away from wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, and older babies could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
This cot is definitely worth the extra money if you want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It takes a while to put together. It's not cheap, but it will last your child until they reach the age of toddlers.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that you are likely investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. Contrary to cribs that are used only for a short time, cots can be used from the time a child is born until they're able to safely transition to the toddler bed or single bed. To ensure that the crib you purchase will last, look for a model with adjustable base heights. This feature lets you lower the mattress height as your baby grows, helping them stay safe and comfortable for longer.
Another important feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of the cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your little one a feeling of independence when they begin to playing, and can assist them in and out of their bed with ease. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by taking out the front.
The slatted style of many cots is an excellent choice for a small space too, as it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a big difference in terms of comfort and can help ensure that your baby gets an enjoyable sleep.
A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment in your baby's security and sleep habits. It can also be a lovely addition to any nursery. With so many styles to choose from, it's always worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and beds on offer at Cuckooland to find a style that's perfect for you.
You'll also find that various accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets with high-end bed linen are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they are getting the best quality sleep possible.