Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed It's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features, but take into account the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can make smaller rooms appear larger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style and extremely light, this model is an excellent option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots but they still have all the safety and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used from the time of birth or until your toddler is ready to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children too.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled, then reassembled in case you want to store other baby items. You may also want to consider a cot that is compact 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 list of cots for small children and cribs features a range of sizes, so there is something for every space. Many of the designs on our list come with a fitted mattress which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
It's important that you measure the space available in your nursery prior to purchasing a crib. The gap between the bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and features a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also simple to adapt to your child's increasing needs. It is more expensive than the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the most 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's also easy to assemble. The mattress is included, however a second one will be needed to help with the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Pick a small cot that has a comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep well. They are more firm than standard cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night sleep.
recommended cribs helps to prevent heat retention, which may cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used to make the mattress are free of chemicals and irritants to ensure that they don't irritate the baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers as they provide excellent support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be used together with the built-in cradle that comes with the cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.
It is essential to determine the size of the mattress and ensure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, like a minimum thickness.
If you're in search of a cot bed that can expand with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's a cot which transforms into an infant bed. This saves you the expense of buying a new bed for your child when they are ready.
Our test panel was impressed by the simple setup of this cot The mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds into itself without any complicated mechanisms to handle. It's also compact and light, fitting in a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents at their homes.
This cot is extremely comfy despite being bigger than other models in our tried-and tested range. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress and has plenty of padding and a bouncy base that carries weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have issues with it.
small cot beds
To ensure the safety of your baby, it is essential to ensure that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to transform it into a toddler's bed. Verify that it's appropriate for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to sleep safely. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. It could pose an entrapment hazard in the event that it is soft, old, or damaged. Test the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should feel solid and flat when you press it down on its centre.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choking risk. Babies must be able to move easily and roll over during their sleep, so it's also important that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs could be used as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop-side be sure to check it regularly to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Avoid placing the cot next to a radiator or a window that is sunny. It is possible that they will become too warm or awake with sunburn. Also, keep the cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, while older children could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
This cot is well worth the extra expense if you want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's a bit laborious to assemble but the directions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not expensive, but it will last into their toddler years.
Design
When shopping 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 for a limited period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to easily transition into a toddler or kids single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's development, ensuring they are safe and comfortable.
A great design feature is the capability to remove the cot bars into sections. This will provide your child with the feeling of independence as they begin to play and will make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. For more flexibility, some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by removing the front of the bed.
The slatted design of many cribs is a good option for small spaces, too, as it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a significant difference in terms of comfort and can help ensure that your baby enjoys a restful night.
A compact cot, also known as a cot-bed, is a great investment in your baby's security and sleeping habits. It can also be an ideal addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of beds and cots to pick from.
You'll also find that various accessories, like baby bumpers, soft duvets, and top quality bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This will allow you to create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your child, ensuring they are getting the best quality sleep possible.