Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to focus on the safety and spec features when you're looking for a compact bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help make a small room appear larger and less cluttered.
This model is ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the safety and comfort features your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a chic couch bed for older children.
To maximize your space, look for a model that fits in with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that can easily disassemble and put up again when you need to make room for other baby items. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our list of cots for small children and cribs features a range of sizes, so there is something to suit every space. Many of the designs that we have listed come with a fitted mattress, which helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
It is essential to measure the space available in your nursery before purchasing a crib. The distance between the bars should not be more than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and has an elegant sleigh-style frame. It's designed to last, with a solid construction and quality materials, and is easy to adjust as your child grows. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately when you pick this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the best value cot. It's loaded with extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's growth. top rated cots is also super easy to assemble. It includes a mattress however, you'll need a second to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
Choose a small cot with an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep comfortably. These are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your child will get an enjoyable night's sleep.
The mattress's cushioning also helps to prevent heat retention, which may cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are also free of chemicals and irritants to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's delicate skin.
Typically, these mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers since they provide excellent support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized in conjunction with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which is useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
It is important to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it fits in the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. It is also possible to determine whether there are specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when buying a cot mattress, such as the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for a cot bed that can expand with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It is initially an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from the expense of buying an entirely new bed once your baby is ready for it.
Our panel of test participants enjoyed the cot's simple setup and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot collapses on itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that is larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot to grandparents at their homes.
This cot is extremely comfy, despite being larger than the other models in our tried-and-tested range. It's designed to feel as an actual mattress and has plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may be a bit uncomfortable with it.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that the cot you select is safe for your child. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to convert it into a toddler's bed. Verify that it's the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should be 140cm x 70cm, and not have any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. If it's old, soft or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Look for any areas of sagging which could be hazardous and then test how the mattress springs back after pressing on it. If you press the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.
Keep the cot free of toys, smudges, and anything else which could cause choking. It is essential that babies move around freely and roll over during sleep. If your cot has drop-sides, be sure to check them frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secured.
Do not put a cot next to the heat source or a window that is sunny. It is possible that they will become too warm or wake up with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. The cords could strangle infants, and older children could reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.
This cot is well worth the extra expense If you're looking for a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood is solid. It takes a while to put together. It's not cheap, but it will last your child into their toddler years.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, you need to remember that you're likely investing in an item that will last for a long time. Unlike cribs which are used for a limited period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to easily transition into a toddler or kids single bed. To ensure that the cot you're buying will last, search for a model with adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's growth, keeping them safe and comfy.
Another useful design feature to look out for is the ability to take off sections of cot bars. This will give your child a sense of independence when they start to toddle and make it easier to help them get into and out of bed. For even greater flexibility 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 design of a lot of cots is an excellent choice for small spaces, also, since it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and help 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's also a lovely addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds for you to pick from.
There's also various accessories, including baby bumpers, soft duvets, and high-end bed linen are available for each cot to complete the look. This will allow you to create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they have the best sleep possible.