Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to get caught up in the safety and spec features when you're looking for a compact bed. But don't forget the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less clutter-filled.
This model is perfect for smaller bedrooms. 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 that still provide all the security and comfort features your baby deserves. They are suitable from birth, or until your toddler is old enough to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children as well.
To maximize your space, choose a model that fits in with your existing furniture in the bedroom, or one that you can easily take apart and put up again when you need to put in other baby objects. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a benches into one piece of furniture.
You can find a wide range of sizes in our cots for small spaces and cribs roundup, so no matter if you have a small nursery or a huge playroom there should be something to suit your space. A majority of the designs on our list come with mattresses that are fitted, which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
It's important that you take measurements of the space in your nursery before purchasing a cot. The distance between the bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and features a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's built to last with quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also easy to adapt to your baby's changing requirements. best infant cribs is more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is another excellent option for a small nursery. It's loaded with 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. It includes a mattress, but you'll need to buy another one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your baby to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial ways to ensure they get an adequate night's sleep is to select a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are firmer than traditional cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night sleep.
The cushioning of these mattresses also helps to prevent heat retention, which can cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure they don't cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers as they provide adequate support for the head, neck and body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling feature, which many parents find to be helpful for colic and reflux.
When choosing a small cot bed with a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit inside the cot's base. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, such as 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 a cot which can be converted into a toddler bed. This can save you the expense of buying an additional bed for your child once they are ready.
The simple setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and unfolded just like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds up without any complicated mechanisms to handle. It's also small and light, fitting in a carry case that is larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot to grandparents' homes.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel as a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that absorbs the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're in the bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may 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 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to be safe. It should be 140cm x 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Check the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress it should feel solid.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and anything else that could pose a choke risk. Babies must be able to move around easily and roll throughout their sleep, which is why it's also important that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot has a drop-side, check it regularly to make sure the mechanism locks securely.
Do not put the cot next to an open radiator or a bright window. It could become too hot or wake up with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies can be strangled by these cords, while older babies could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
This cot is well worth the extra money if you want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. It's not the easiest to assemble but the directions 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 stunning in any nursery.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's important to remember that you're likely purchasing something that will last for years. Unlike cribs, which are used only for a short time, cots can be used from the moment a baby is born until they are able to safely move to an adult bed or a single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable height base to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you lower the mattress in height as your child grows, making sure they are secure and comfortable for a longer time.
A useful design feature is the ability to remove the cot bars into sections. This is an excellent way to provide your child a sense of independence when they begin to walking around, and can help them get in and out of their bed quickly. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by removing the front.
The slatted design of many cots is an excellent choice for a small space too, as it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This is a significant difference in comfort, and can make the difference to ensure that your baby has a restful night's sleep.
A cot-sized or small bed is a great investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an attractive accessory to any nursery. With so many designs available to pick from, it's always worth the effort to explore the wide range of cots and cots available at Cuckooland to find a style that is suitable for your needs.
For each cot, you'll find a variety of accessories such as soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This makes it simple to put together a cosy and welcoming environment for your baby to get the best quality sleep and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.