Buying Small Cot Beds
When you are looking for a compact cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the specs and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less cluttered.
This model is perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.
cot bed sales -saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still have all the safety and comfort features that your baby needs. They can be used from the time of birth or until your toddler is old enough to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be turned into a chic couch bed for older children.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to make room for other baby things. You might also want to consider a cot that is compact bed that has built-in storage or multi-functional designs that combine an armoire with a changing table and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
Our list of cots for small children and cribs has a range of sizes, meaning there's something to suit every space. A lot of the designs in our roundup include a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.
When selecting a cot, it is essential to determine the size of your nursery and check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before purchasing. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars as it should not be greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot that can accommodate a standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and features a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last, with a solid construction and quality materials, and is easy to adjust as your baby grows. However, it's a more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is a ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's loaded with extra features, including teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to suit the growth of your baby. It is also super easy to assemble. The mattress is included, however an additional one is required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has a comfortable mattress. This will help your baby rest comfortably. They are designed to be a bit firmer than traditional cot mattresses but are still soft enough so that your child will get a good night's rest.
The cushioning on these mattresses helps in preventing the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort for certain 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.
These mattresses are a great alternative for back and side sleepers as they provide good support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which can be helpful for colic or reflux.
It is essential to determine the mattress's size and make sure that it fits in the base of the cot before buying a cot that is small. You can also find out whether there are any specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying the mattress for a cot like 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 starts out as an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, saving you from having to purchase an entirely new bed once your baby is ready to use it.
Our panel of test participants loved this cot's easy setup and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap in place, and the cot folds over itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. 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 ideal for transporting this cot from grandparents' homes.
Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It's made to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might be a bit uncomfortable 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. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to transform it into a toddler's bed. Also, make sure it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough space for a secure sleep for your little one. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat inside the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Check for any areas of sagging that could be dangerous, and test to see how quickly the mattress will spring back after pressing it. A good quality cot mattress should feel solid and flat when you press it down on its centre.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choke hazard. Babies must be able to move around easily and roll throughout their sleep, which is why it's essential 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, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Avoid placing your cot near an open radiator or a bright window. It is possible that they will become too warm or wake up with sunburn. You should also keep the cot clear of cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. The cords could strangle infants, and older children could reach out to grab bars for their cot or pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a premium finish the cot is worth the extra investment over the cheaper alternatives. It's not the easiest to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not expensive but it'll last until their toddler years and look fantastic in any nursery.
Design
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's important to remember that you're investing in a long-term piece of furniture. In top rated cots to cribs that are used only for a short period of time, cots and beds are suitable from the time the time when a child can safely transition to a toddler or kids single bed. To ensure that the cot you buy will last, look for a design with adjustable base heights. This feature allows you to lower the mattress in height as your child grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.
One of the most useful features of the design is the ability to take out 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 into and out of bed. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by removing the front.
Many cots feature slatted designs that are perfect for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This is a significant difference in comfort, and could make all the difference when trying to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.
A small cot or cot bed is an excellent investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an attractive design element to any nursery. With so many designs available to pick from, it's worth the effort to browse the full selection of cots and beds on offer at Cuckooland to find a style that's perfect for you.
You'll also find that a range of accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and high-end bed linen are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they get the best rest possible.