Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up on the specs and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and less cluttered.
This model is ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the simplest flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still have all the safety and comfort features that 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 converted into a chic couch bed for older kids.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt when you need to store other baby things. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that combines the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
There is a wide range of sizes in our cots for small spaces and cribs roundup which means that no matter if you have a small nursery or a huge playroom there should be something to suit your space. Many of the designs on our list have mattresses that are fitted, which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
It is crucial to determine the size of your nursery before purchasing a crib. The gap between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has an elegant sleigh-style frame. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also easy to adapt to your child's increasing 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 if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the best value cot, is another ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It comes with a variety of extra features that include teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. It is also super easy to put together. cheap cot bed includes a mattress however, you'll need another one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
As a parent you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment and one of the most beneficial options to ensure they get an adequate night's sleep is to select a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. They are designed to be more firm than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough that your child will have an enjoyable night's sleep.
The mattress's cushioning also helps to prevent the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a good option for side and back sleepers, as they offer adequate 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 colic and reflux.
It is essential to determine the mattress's size and make sure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. You can also find out whether there are any specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying mattresses for cots, such as the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design by Vox is a great option for parents who are looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It's initially a cot but can later be transformed into a toddler bed, saving you from having to buy a new bed when your child is ready for it.
The user-friendly configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came from the box and folded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds down, with no complicated mechanisms to work with. It's also light and compact and can easily fit into a carry bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case, and is ideal for taking it to grandparents' houses.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It is designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel like they are in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy and stable choice for side and back sleepers, though the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble 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 meet. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. Check that it is appropriate for the nursery and provides enough space 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 lies flat in the cot. It could be dangerous to suffocate in the event that it is soft, old, or damaged. Test the mattress to see if it springs back quickly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should be firm and flat when you press it down on its centre.
Keep the cot free of any toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choking hazard. It is essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate during sleep. If your crib has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
Do not place the cot next to a radiator or a window that is sunny. They could get too warm or wake up with sunburn. Keep the cot away from wall mounted curtains and 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 pull themselves up.
This cot is definitely worth the extra expense for those who want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not expensive, but it'll last your child right into their toddler years and look stunning in any nursery.
Design
When you're looking for a small cot bed, you need to keep in mind that you're purchasing something that will last for years. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a brief period of time, cots are appropriate from the time a child is born until they can easily transition to the toddler bed or single bed. To ensure that the cot you're buying will last, look for a design with adjustable base heights. This feature lets you lower the mattress's in height as your child grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.
Another design element to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. This is a great way to give your little one a feeling of independence once they begin walking around, and can help them get in and out of their bed easily. 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 off the front of the bed.
The slatted style of many cots is an excellent choice for a small space, too, as it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a significant difference in terms of comfort and will ensure that your baby has a restful night.
A small cot, or the cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby’s safety and sleeping habits. It can also be an excellent addition to any nursery. With so many options to choose from, it's worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and cot beds on offer at Cuckooland to find a style that's perfect for you.
There's also an array of accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets made of high-end bed linen are available for every cot to complete the look. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, ensuring they are getting the best quality sleep possible.