Buying Small Cot Beds
When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features but consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and less clutter-filled.
This model is ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots, but they still have all the comfort and safety features your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models convert into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children too.
Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and reassembled when you need to store other baby things. It is also possible to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines the drawers of a chest, changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, so there is something for every space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup include a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
When selecting a cot, it is essential to measure the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to ensure it will fit before you purchase. The gap between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has an elegant sleigh-style frame. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. It is also easy to adapt to your child's growing requirements. It is more expensive than the other cots in our list and you'll have to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a compact nursery, and it's our pick of the best value cot. It's loaded with extra features that include teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's development. It's also easy to put together. It includes a mattress, but you'll need to buy a second to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
As a parent you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment and one of the best ways to help them get a good 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 to ensure that your baby will enjoy an enjoyable night's sleep.
The mattress's cushioning also helps to prevent 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 could cause irritation to your baby's skin.
Typically, these types of mattresses are also a good choice for side and back sleepers as they provide good support for neck, head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built-in cradling feature, which parents have found to be helpful for reflux and colic.
It is important to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it fits in the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, like a minimum thickness.
This adaptable design by Vox is a great option for parents who are looking for an cot that can grow with their child. It is initially an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, saving you from the expense of buying another bed when your baby is ready to use it.
Our panel of testers enjoyed the cot's simple setup and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down without any complicated mechanisms to work with. It's also compact and lightweight and fits neatly into a bag smaller than a camping chair's case and ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.
The cot is extremely comfortable despite being bigger than other models in our tried and tested range. It's made to feel like a mattress and has plenty of padding and a springy base that can absorb the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's also a solid stable and safe option for back and side sleepers but the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
It is essential to make sure that the cot bed you choose is safe for your child. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into a toddler bed. Verify that it's the correct size for your nursery and provides enough space for your child to be safe. It should be 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is firm and lies flat in the cot. It could pose a suffocation hazard in the event that it is soft or old, or damaged. Look for any areas of sagging which could be hazardous and test how the mattress will spring back after pressing down on it. A high-quality mattress for cots should be solid and flat when you press it down on the middle of it.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choke danger. Babies must be able to 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 could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.
It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot close to an open window or a radiator because they may get too hot or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot away from wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. The cords could strangle infants and older children might reach out to grab bars for their cot or even pull themselves up.
This cot is worth the extra money for those who want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's not the easiest to put together but the directions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap, but it will last into their toddler years.
Design
It's important to consider that you'll be investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a small bed. Unlike cribs which are used only for a short period of time, cots and beds are suitable from birth until a child is able to easily transition into a toddler or a single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height to fit your baby's growing needs, while keeping them secure and comfortable.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. best cots for newborns will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to crawl and make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. To make it even more flexible, some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by taking the front off of the bed.
Many cots feature slatted designs which are ideal for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby has a restful night.
A small cot or cot bed is a great investment for your baby's sleep habits and security, and is an attractive accessory to any nursery. With so many options to pick from, it's worth the effort to look through the entire selection of cots and cot beds on offer at Cuckooland to find one that is suitable for your needs.
There's also an array of accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets made of top quality bed linen, are available for each cot to complete the look. This will allow you to create a an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, ensuring they have the best sleep possible.