Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to concentrate on the safety and spec features when you're looking for a compact bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can help make a room feel bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style, and quite light This model is a great option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the security and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used from the time of birth, or until your toddler is old enough to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert to an elegant sofa bed to use with older children too.
To help you make the most of your space, choose the right model that will fit with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that you can easily take apart and reassemble if you need to put in other baby things. You may also want to think about a compact cot bed with built-in storage or multi-functional designs that combine the drawers of a chest, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
You can find a wide range of sizes in our cots for small spaces and cribs roundup which means that regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's something to fit your space. A majority of the designs on our list come with an adjustable mattress which helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
It is essential to determine the size of your nursery prior to buying a crib. You should also look at the space between the bars since this needs to be no greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and comes with stunning sleigh-style frames. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also easy to adapt to your child's changing needs. It's more expensive than other cribs on our list, and you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is a ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's loaded with extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together. The mattress is included, however an additional one will be needed for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Pick a small cot that has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby rest comfortably. These mattresses are more rigid than standard cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure your baby gets a good night sleep.
They are cushioned to reduce heat retention which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used to make the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals so that they won't disturb the baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers, as they offer adequate support for the neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized in conjunction with the built-in cradle in the cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.
It is important to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it fits in the base of the cot prior to buying a cot that is small. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, like the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design by Vox is a great option for parents who want an cot that can grow with their child. It is a cot that converts to an infant bed. This saves you the expense of buying an entirely new bed for your child when they are ready.
The simple configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and unfolded just like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds into itself, with no complicated mechanisms to work with. It's 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 to grandparents at their homes.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress and has plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might have a problem with it.
Safety
It is crucial to make sure that the cot bed you pick is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into an infant bed. Check that it is the right size for the nursery and has enough space for your child to be safe. It should be at least 140cm by 70cm, and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is level and firm. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Check for any areas of sagging that could be dangerous, and test to see how quickly the mattress springs back when pressing down on it. When best rated cribs press down on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress it should feel solid.
Keep the cot clear of toys, smudges and other items that could pose a choking risk. It is essential that babies move freely and turn over as they sleep. If your crib has a drop-side be sure to check it regularly to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Avoid placing your cot near an open radiator or a window that is sunny. It is possible that they will become too hot or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords on wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and decorative accessories that have long cords. best rated cribs can strangle babies and older children may reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.
This cot is well worth the extra expense for those who want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. It's not the easiest to put together but the directions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not expensive however it will last until their toddler years and will look fantastic in any nursery.
Design
When you're looking for a small cot bed, you need to keep in mind that you're investing in an item that will last for a long time. Unlike cribs which are used for a limited period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to safely transition to a toddler or kids single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure that it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height to accommodate your child's growth, keeping them safe and comfortable.
Another design element to keep an eye out for is the ability to take off sections of the cot bars. This will provide your child with an impression of independence once they begin to play and will make it easier to help them get into and out of the bed. For more flexibility the cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by taking off the front of the bed.
Many cots come with slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and can help ensure that your baby has a restful night.
A cot-sized or small bed is a fantastic investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an excellent accessory to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds to pick from.
There's also a range of accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets made of high-end bed linen are available for every cot to complete the look. This lets you create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your child, ensuring they get the best rest possible.