Buying Small Cot Beds
When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can make smaller rooms appear larger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight, this model is an excellent option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still offer all the security and comfort features your baby deserves. They can be used from 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 as well.
To make the most of your space, look for an item that is compatible with the furniture in your bedroom, or one that you can easily dismantle and put up again when you want to accommodate other baby things. 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 benches into one piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there is something to fit in every space. Many of the designs on our list have mattresses that are fitted, which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When choosing a cot, it is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it's suitable before purchasing. You should also look at the gap between the bars as it should not be more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, which takes the standard 120x60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last with quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also simple to adjust to your baby's changing requirements. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to buy a separate mattress if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a smaller nursery and it's our pick for the most affordable cots. It's loaded with extra features that include teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's development. It is also super easy to assemble. The mattress is included, but another one will be needed to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
As a parent you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment and one of the best options to ensure a good night's sleep is to choose a small cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. These are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your baby will enjoy the rest of the night.
The mattress's cushioning can also help to reduce heat retention, which may cause discomfort for 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 as they provide excellent support for the head, neck and body. These mattresses can be utilized together with the built-in cradle of the cot, which is beneficial for reflux or colic.
It is important to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior purchasing a small cot. You should also determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations you need 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 are looking for an cot that can grow with their child. It's a cot that converts to an infant bed. This can save you the expense of purchasing an additional bed for your child once they are ready.
The easy-to-use configuration of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came from the box and was unfolded like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds into itself without a complicated mechanism to work with. It is also compact and light, 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 home.
The cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up. It's designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they're in the bouncer. It's a solid, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have issues with it.
Safety
It is crucial to ensure that the cot bed you choose is safe for your child. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to transform it into a toddler's bed. Verify that it's the correct size for your nursery and provides enough space for your child to be safe. 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 inside the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Test the mattress to see if it springs back quickly after pressing. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it should feel solid.
Keep the cot free of toys, stickers, and anything else which could cause choking. Babies should be able to move around easily and roll throughout their sleep, which is why it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs could be used as footholds to climb out. If Full File has drop-sides, make sure you check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secured.
Do not put a cot next to the heat source or a bright window. They could get too warm or wake up with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords on wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these, and older children could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
This cot is worth the extra cost if you want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood is solid. It takes some time to assemble. 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 keep in mind that you're investing in an item that will last for a long time. In contrast to cribs that are used for a limited period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from birth until the time when a child can safely transition to a toddler or a single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. This feature allows you to lower the mattress in height as your child grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.
Another useful design feature to look for is the ability to take off sections of cot bars. This is a great way to give your baby a sense of independence once they start playing, and can help them get in and out of their bed with ease. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by taking out the front.
The slatted design of many cribs is a good option 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 gets a good sleep.
A compact cot, also known as a cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby's safety and sleeping habits. It can also be an ideal addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds for you to choose from.
For each cot, there's an array of accessories, including soft duvets and premium bed linen. This makes it simple to create a warm and comfortable environment for your baby's to get the best quality sleep, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.