Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to focus on the safety and spec features when shopping for a small bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style, and quite light This model is an excellent option for smaller bedrooms. It's also the easiest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still offer all the security and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models convert into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children as well.
To help you maximize your space, choose an item that is compatible with the furniture in your bedroom, or one that you can easily take apart and reassemble when you need to accommodate other baby things. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a benches into one piece of furniture.
You can find a wide selection of sizes in our cots for small spaces and cribs roundup and, therefore, whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's something to suit your space. Many of the designs in our roundup come with a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
When you are choosing a cot it's important to take measurements of the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before you purchase. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars, as this needs to be no more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which can fit a standard 120x60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It is constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your baby's increasing requirements. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a compact nursery, and it's our pick for the most value-for-money cot. It's stuffed with extra features including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together. The mattress is included, but a second one is required for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has a comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep well. They are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your child will get an enjoyable night's sleep.
The mattress's cushioning helps in preventing the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens, chemicals and other substances that could cause irritation to your baby's skin.
These mattresses are a great alternative for back and side sleepers, as they offer good support for the head, neck and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built in cradling, which many parents find to be helpful for reflux and colic.
When selecting a cot bed with a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the size of the mattress and whether it can be placed inside the base of the cot. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, for instance the minimum thickness.
The adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It starts out as a cot but can later be transformed into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to buy an entirely new bed once your child is ready for it.
Our test panel was impressed by the simple setup of this cot, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap in place and the cot then collapses on itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also small and light, fitting in a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. best cot newborn makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents home.
The cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than other models from our tried-and tested collection. It's designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have issues with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it is essential to ensure that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to comply with. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to transform it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is the right size for the nursery and is big enough for your child to sleep safely. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat inside the cot. It could pose dangerous to suffocate in the event that it is soft or old, or damaged. Look for any sagging areas that could be dangerous and test how quickly the mattress springs back after pressing it. A good quality cot mattress should feel firm and flat when you press it down on its centre.
Keep the cot clear of toys, stickers and anything else that could cause choking. Babies should be able move easily 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 crib has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot next to an open window or a radiator because they may become too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Keep the cot away from cords on wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. These cords 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 money for those who want 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 solid. It's not cheap but it'll keep your child safe through their toddler years and will look fantastic in any nursery.
Design
It is important to remember that you are likely investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a small bed. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized for a limited period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to easily transition into the toddler or single bed. To ensure the cot you purchase will last, look for a model with adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your baby grows, making sure they are secure and comfortable for a longer time.
Another important feature to look out for is the capability to take off sections of the cot bars. This is a great way to give your baby a sense of independence once they begin playing, and can aid them in getting into and out of their bed easily. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by taking out the front.
Many cots come with slatted designs that are perfect for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and can help ensure that your baby has a restful night.
A small cot or bed is an excellent investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an attractive design element to any nursery. With so many options to pick from, it's worth the effort to look through the entire selection of cots and beds on offer at Cuckooland to find one that's perfect for you.
There's also an array of accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets with high-end bed linen are available for each cot to complete the look. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, making sure they get the best rest possible.