Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to concentrate on the safety features and specifications when looking for a smaller bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can make a room feel bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight This model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the easiest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots however, they still offer all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used from birth or until your toddler is able to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed for use with older children, too.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to make room for other baby items. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.
There is a wide selection of sizes in our cots that are small and cribs roundup which means that whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there should be something to meet your needs. A lot of the cribs on our list have mattresses that are fitted that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When you are choosing a cot it is essential to measure the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before purchasing. The gap between the bars should not be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which can fit the standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It is built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your child's changing requirements. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to buy a separate mattress in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the most value-for-money cot. It's packed full of 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 too. The mattress is included, however another one will be required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
Pick a small cot that has a comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. They are designed to be more firm than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough that your child will get an enjoyable night's sleep.
The mattresses are cushioned to prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a good option for back and side sleepers, since they provide good support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized in conjunction with the built-in cradle of the cot, which is beneficial for reflux or colic.
When choosing a small mattress cot bed that has cushions it is essential to verify the size of the mattress and whether it will fit into the cot's base. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, for instance a minimum thickness.
This adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents looking for 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 an entirely new bed once your child is ready for it.
Our panel of test participants enjoyed the cot's simple setup and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds down without any complicated mechanisms to work with. It's also lightweight and compact and can easily fit into a carry bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case and ideal for transporting to grandparents' homes.
This cot is extremely comfy, despite being larger than other models in our tried-and-tested collection. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel as if they are in a bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may be a bit uncomfortable with it.
Safety
It is crucial to make sure that the cot you choose is safe for your baby. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to convert it into a toddler's bed. You should also check that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough room for a safe sleep for your baby. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat inside the cot. If it's old, soft or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Check the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots should feel firm and lie flat when you press down on its centre.
Keep the cot clear of any toys, stickers and anything else that could cause choking. It is essential that babies move freely and turn over as they sleep. If your crib has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.
Avoid placing top ranked cribs to the heat source or a window that is sunny. It is possible that they will become too warm or awake with sunburn. It is also important to keep the cot away from wall mounted curtain cords or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies, and older children could reach out to grab bars for their cot or pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a top-quality finish the cot is worth the cost over other cheaper options. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels sturdy. It takes a while to put together. It's not cheap however it will keep your child safe through their toddler years and look great in any nursery.
Design
When you're looking for a small cot bed, it's important to keep in mind that you're investing in a long-term piece of furniture. Unlike cribs which are used only for a short period of time, cots and beds are suitable from the time the time a child is old enough to safely transition into the toddler or single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable height base to ensure that it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress in height as your child grows, ensuring they stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.
Another design element to look for is the ability to remove sections of the cot bars. This will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to play and make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. For more flexibility the cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by taking the front off of the bed.
The slatted design of a lot of cribs is a good option for a small space in addition, it assists air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This makes a large difference in comfort, and can make the difference to ensure that your baby has an adequate night's rest.
A small cot or cot bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an excellent addition to any nursery setting. With so many styles to pick from, it's always worth the effort to explore the wide range of cots and cot beds available at Cuckooland to find the style that's perfect for you.
There's also a range of accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets made of high-end bed linen are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to create a warm and welcoming environment for your baby's to get the best sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.