Buying Small Cot Beds
When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the specifications and safety features but consider the design too. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and extremely light, this model is a great choice for smaller bedrooms. It's also the most simple flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still offer all the safety and comfort features that your baby requires. They are suitable from birth, or until your toddler is ready to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be turned into a stylish couch bed for older kids.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled, then reassembled when 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 with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a benches into one piece of furniture.
best crib of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, so there is something to fit in every space. A lot of the designs in our roundup come with an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
When choosing a cot, it's important to determine the size of your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before you purchase. The distance between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and features a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's designed to last, with a sturdy build and high-quality materials, and is easy to adjust as your baby grows. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed and you'll have to purchase a mattress in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick for the best value cots. It's packed full of extra features, including teething rails as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's super-easy to put together too. It includes a mattress, however, you'll need another one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial ways to help them get an excellent night's rest is to select a small cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night's rest.
These mattresses are cushioned to reduce heat retention which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals to ensure they don't cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a great alternative for back and side sleepers, as they offer adequate support for the neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized together with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which can be useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
When choosing a small mattress cot bed that has a cushioned mattress, it's important to check the dimensions of the mattress as well as 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 who are looking for an cot that can grow with their child. It's a cot which converts to a toddler bed. This can save you the expense of buying a new bed for your child when they are ready.
The user-friendly setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came from the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds up, with no complicated mechanisms to deal with. It is also compact and light, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents home.
Despite being larger than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's made to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's also a solid and stable choice for back and side sleepers, though senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it's essential to verify whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to convert it into a toddler's bed. Also, make sure it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough room for a safe sleep for your baby. It should be at minimum 140cm by 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that 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 for any sagging areas that could pose a danger and test how quickly the mattress springs back when pressing it. If you press the middle of a quality cot-mattress it should feel firm.
Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choking hazard. Babies must be able to move freely and roll over in their sleep, so it's also important that the cot does not have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
It's recommended to avoid placing a cot next to a radiator or sunny window in case they become too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Babies can get caught by these, and older children could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
For Scandi style and a premium finish This cot is well worth the extra investment over other cheaper options. It's not the easiest to put together but the directions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not cheap however it will keep your child safe through their toddler years and look stunning in any nursery.
Design
When you're looking for a small cot bed, it's important to remember that you're likely purchasing something that will last for years. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a short period of time, cots are appropriate from the time a child is born until they can safely move to a toddler bed or kids single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure that it will last. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's development, ensuring they are safe and comfy.
A great design feature is the capability to remove the cot bars into sections. This will provide your child with an impression of independence once they start to toddle and make it easier to help them get into and out of bed. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by taking out the front.
The slatted design of many cots is an excellent choice for a small space, in addition, it assists air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a significant difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby enjoys an enjoyable sleep.
A small cot, or bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby’s security and sleep habits. It's also an ideal addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds for you to pick from.
You'll also find that various accessories, including baby bumpers, soft duvets, and high-end bed linen are available for each cot to complete the look. best cot bed will allow you to create a an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, ensuring they get the best rest possible.