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 take into account the design too. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and less clutter-filled.
This model is perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's also the simplest flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still provide all the security and comfort features your baby needs. They are suitable from birth, or until your toddler is ready to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert to an elegant sofa bed for use with older children, too.
Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to make space for other baby items. You might also want to think about a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or an all-purpose design that incorporates the drawers of a chest, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
You can find a wide selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's something to meet your needs. A lot of the designs in our roundup have a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.
It's important that you determine the size of your nursery before purchasing a cot. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars, as this should not be greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh style frame. It is built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also easy to adapt to your child's growing requirements. It's more expensive than the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the best value cot, is a ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It comes with a variety of extra features, including teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to suit the baby's development. It's also easy to put together. The mattress is included, but a second one is required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
Choose a small cot with an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. They are more firm than traditional cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.
The cushioning of these mattresses can also help to reduce heat retention, which can cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
Typically, these mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for the neck, head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built in cradling system, which many parents find to be beneficial for reflux and colic.
If you are considering a crib bed with a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the size of the mattress as well as whether it can be placed inside the base of the cot. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, for instance the minimum thickness.
If you're in search of an cot that can adapt to your child's needs take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It starts out as an cot, but it can be converted into an infant bed, saving you from the expense of buying another bed when your baby is ready to use it.
The simple setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came out of the box and was unfolded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot then collapses into itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It is also compact and light, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents home.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and tested range, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress with plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's also a solid stable and safe option for side and back sleepers, however senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.
Safety
For your baby's safety, it's essential to verify whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to comply with. Look out for cot bed sales , or BS 8509 if it converts into an infant bed. Also, make sure it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide 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 that the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. It could be an entrapment hazard if it is soft, old, or damaged. Look for any areas of sagging which could be hazardous and test how quickly the mattress springs back when pressing on it. A high-quality mattress for cots should be solid and flat when you press down on the centre of it.
Keep the cot clear of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able move freely and roll over during their sleep, so it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot has a drop side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Avoid placing the cot next to an open radiator or a sunny window. It could become too warm or wake up with sunburn. You should also keep your cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. These cords can strangle babies, and older children could reach out to grab cot bars or pull themselves up.
This cot is well worth the extra expense if you want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap, but it will last into their toddler years.
Design
When you're looking for a small cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're likely investing in something that will last for years. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a brief period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from the time the time a child is old enough to easily transition into a toddler or a single bed. To ensure that the crib you're buying will last, search for a model with adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your baby grows, ensuring they stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.
Another important feature to look out for is the capability to remove sections of the cot bars. This will provide your child with a sense of independence when they start to toddle and make it easier for them to get into and out of bed. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by removing the front.
The slatted style of many cots is an excellent choice for small spaces, in addition, it assists air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This makes a large difference in comfort, and could make all the difference when trying to ensure that your baby has a restful night's sleep.
A small cot, or the cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby’s security and sleep habits. It's also a lovely addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to choose from.
You'll also find that a range of accessories, including baby bumpers, soft duvets, and high-end bed linen are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This makes it easy to create a cozy and comfortable environment for your baby to get the best quality sleep and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.