Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features but consider the design too. A well-designed bed can help make a small room appear larger and less overwhelmed.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight This model is a good option for smaller bedrooms. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots, but they still have all the safety and comfort features your baby requires. They are suitable from birth, or until your toddler is able to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be turned into a stylish sofa bed for older kids.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to store other baby items. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs has a range of sizes, meaning there's something to suit every space. A lot of the designs in our roundup come with a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.
When you are choosing a cot it is essential to determine the size of your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it will fit before making your purchase. The distance between the bars should be no greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and features an elegant sleigh-style frame. It's built to last, with a sturdy build and high-quality materials, and is easy to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. However, it's a much more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll need to buy a separate mattress if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the best value cot, is another great option for a compact nursery. It's packed full of additional features like teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together too. The mattress is included, but an additional one is required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to have an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial ways to help them get a good night's sleep is to choose a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. They are more firm than the traditional cot mattress, but soft enough to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.
The mattress's cushioning also helps to prevent heat retention, which may cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens and chemicals, as well as other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.
These mattresses are a good option for back and side sleepers, since they provide good support for the neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized in conjunction with the built-in cradle in a cot, which can be useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
It is essential to determine the mattress's size and make sure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior buying a cot that is small. Find out if the mattress has any specific rules or regulations, for instance a minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot that can adapt to your child's needs take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. tots and cots is a cot that converts to a toddler bed. This can save you the cost of buying an additional bed for your child when they are ready.
The simple setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and folded like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot collapses on itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It is also compact and lightweight, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents home.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried and tested range, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel as an actual mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that absorbs the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy, stable option for both back and side sleepers, though senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
It is crucial to make sure that the cot bed you choose is safe for your child. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into an infant bed. You should also check that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide a safe sleep for your little one. It should be 140cm x 70cm, and not have any gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure that the mattress is firm and laid flat inside the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Examine for any areas of sagging that could be dangerous and test how the mattress springs back after pressing down on it. A high-quality cot mattress should feel firm and lie flat when you press it down on its centre.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and other items that could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able move easily and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure you check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secured.
Avoid placing the cot next to a radiator or a window that is sunny. It could become too hot or awake with sunburn. Also, keep the cot away from wall mounted curtain cords, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can be strangled by these, and older children could climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
This cot is well worth the extra money if you want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels sturdy. It takes a while to assemble. It's not cheap but it'll keep your child safe through their toddler years and look great in any nursery.
Design
It's important to consider that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Unlike cribs, which are used only for a brief period of time, cots are suitable from the moment a baby is born until they are able to easily transition to an adult bed or a single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's growing needs, while keeping them safe and comfortable.
Another design element to keep an eye for is the ability to remove sections of cot bars. This will give your child the feeling of independence as they begin to play and will make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.
The slatted design of many cots is an excellent choice for small spaces, also, since it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a significant difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby enjoys a good sleep.
A small cot or bed is a fantastic investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be a beautiful accessory to any nursery. With so many styles to choose from, it's always worth the effort to explore the wide range of cots and beds on offer at Cuckooland to find the style that suits you.
You'll also find that various accessories, such as 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 an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, making sure they get the best rest possible.