Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to concentrate on the safety features and specifications when shopping for a small bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can make the small space appear bigger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style, and quite light, this model is a good option for smaller bedrooms. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still offer all the safety and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready for an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children, too.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled in case you want to store other baby items. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that includes a changing unit, chest of drawers and benches into one piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, so there's something for every space. A lot of the designs in our roundup come with an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
When choosing a cot, it is important to measure the space in your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before making your purchase. The gap between the bars should not be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and comes with an elegant sleigh-style frame. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your baby's growing requirements. It's more expensive than the other cots we've reviewed, and you will need to purchase a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a small nursery, and it's our pick for the most value-for-money cots. It's stuffed with extra features, including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows. cots offers 's also incredibly simple to put together. The mattress is included, but a second one will be required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
Pick a small cot that has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. These are designed to be a bit firmer than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough to ensure that your child will get an enjoyable night's sleep.
tots and cots are cushioned to prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are also free of chemicals and irritants so that they won't disturb your baby's delicate skin.
These mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers, as they offer good support for the head, neck and body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling feature, which many parents find to be beneficial for reflux and colic.
When choosing a small mattress cot bed that has a cushioned mattress, it's important to check the size of the mattress and whether it will fit into the base of the cot. It is also possible to determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations to follow when purchasing mattresses for cots like the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design by Vox is a great option for parents who want a cot that grows with their child. It's initially a cot but can later be transformed into an infant bed, saving you from having to purchase another bed when your baby is ready to use it.
Our panel of test participants 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 unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot collapses on itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It is also compact and light, fitting in the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot to grandparents at their homes.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and-tested range, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It is designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel like they are in a bouncer. It's also a solid and stable choice for side and back sleepers, however senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it's essential to verify that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to comply with. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to transform it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to sleep safely. It should measure 140cm by 70cm, and not have any gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could create a risk of suffocation. Check for any sagging areas that could be dangerous, and test to see how quickly the mattress springs back after pressing on it. A high-quality mattress for cots should be firm and lie flat when you press down on the middle of it.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choking risk. Babies must be able to move around easily and roll during their sleep, so 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 has a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secure.
It's recommended to avoid placing a cot next to a radiator or sunny window because they may get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Also, keep your cot away from wall mounted curtain cords or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, and older babies could climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
For Scandi style and a high-quality finish, this cot is worth the extra investment over other cheaper options. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble but the directions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not expensive, but it will last your child through their toddler years.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, you need to remember that you're likely investing in an item that will last for a long time. In contrast to cribs, which are used only for a short period of time, cots can be used from the moment a child is born until they can easily transition to an adult bed or a single bed. To ensure the cot you purchase will last, search for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height as your child grows, making sure they are in a safe and comfortable position for longer.
Another design element to look for is the ability to take sections of the cot bars. This will provide your child with the feeling of independence as they begin to play and will make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.
The slatted design of many cribs is a good option for small spaces, also, since it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in comfort and can make all the difference in trying to ensure that your baby has an adequate night's rest.
A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment in your baby's security and sleeping habits. It can also be a lovely addition to any nursery. With so many options to choose from, it's worth the effort to explore the wide range of cots and beds available at Cuckooland to find a style that suits you.
For each cot, you'll find an array of accessories like soft duvets, plus premium bed linen. This makes it easy to put together a cosy and welcoming environment for your baby to get the best possible rest, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.