Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features but consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can make smaller rooms appear larger 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 they still have all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready for an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be transformed into a chic couch bed to use with older kids.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to make space for other baby items. You may also want to consider a cot that is compact bed that has built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines the drawers of a chest as well as a changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs has a range of sizes, so there's something to fit in every space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup come with a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
It's important that you determine the size of your nursery before purchasing a cot. Also, you should consider the space between the bars since this needs to be no more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which can fit an average 120 x 60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame in the sleigh style. It's built to last with quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also simple to adapt to your child's changing needs. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other cots on our list and you'll have to purchase a mattress if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick for the best value cot. It has a lot of extra features, including teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to fit the growth of your baby. It's also easy to put together. The mattress is included, but an additional one is required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial things you can do to help them get an adequate night's sleep is to pick a smaller crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are more rigid than the traditional cot mattress but are soft enough to ensure that your baby gets a good night sleep.
The mattress's cushioning helps in preventing heat retention, which may cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals, as well as other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.
These mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers, as they offer adequate support for neck, head and body. They can be used together with the built-in cradle of a cot, which can be beneficial for reflux or colic.
It is important to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior to buying a cot that is small. Find out if the mattress has any particular 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's initially a cot but can later be transformed into a toddler bed, saving you from having to buy another bed when your baby is ready for it.
Our test panel 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 folded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds into itself, with no complicated mechanisms to handle. It's 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' homes.
This cot is extremely comfy despite its size being higher than other models in our tried and tested collection. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that carries the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might have issues with it.
Safety
It's vital to ensure that the cot bed you choose is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to convert it into a toddler's bed. Make sure it's appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to rest comfortably. 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 a bit soft, old or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Test the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A good quality cot mattress should feel firm and flat when you press it down on the centre of it.
Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choke hazard. Babies should be able to move around easily and roll during their sleep, so it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot is equipped with a drop-side, check it regularly to make sure the mechanism is secure.
It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot near an open window or a radiator because they may get too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Keep the cot away from wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other accessories with long cords. The cords could strangle infants and older children might reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.
This cot is well worth the extra cost If you're looking for the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It takes a while to assemble. It's not cheap but it'll last until their toddler years and look great in any nursery.
crib sets
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's important to keep in mind that you're purchasing an item that will last for a long time. In contrast to cribs that are used only for a brief period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from birth until a child is able to safely transition to the toddler or single bed. To ensure that the cot you purchase will last, look out for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you lower the mattress's in height as your child grows, helping them stay in a safe and comfortable position for longer.
A great design feature is the ability to remove the cot bars into sections. This will give your child a sense of independence when they start to toddle and will make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. To make it even more flexible the cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by removing the front of the bed.
Many cots have slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a huge difference in comfort, and could make all the difference when trying to ensure that your baby has a restful night's sleep.
A small cot or bed is a great investment for your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an attractive design element to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds for you to choose from.
There's also various accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets made of premium bed linen, are available for each cot to complete the look. This makes it easy to create a cozy and warm environment for your baby to get the best possible rest and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.