Buying Small Cot Beds
When shopping for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less overwhelmed.
This model is perfect for smaller bedrooms. It's light and stroller-style. It's also the easiest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional best cots for newborns however they still provide all the comfort and safety features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models can be transformed into a chic couch bed to use with older kids.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to make space for other baby items. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multi-functional design that incorporates the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.
You can find a wide range of sizes in our cots for small spaces tots and cots cribs roundup and, therefore, regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there should be something to suit your space. Many of the designs on our list come with an adjustable mattress which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
It is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to buying a cot. The gap between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also simple to adapt to your baby's increasing requirements. It's more expensive than the other cots we've reviewed, and you will need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is another excellent option for a small nursery. It's packed full of additional features like teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together. It includes a mattress, but you'll need to buy another one for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has an easy mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. These mattresses are firmer than traditional cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure that your baby gets a good night sleep.
The cushioning on these mattresses can also help to reduce heat retention, which may cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to your baby's skin.
These mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers as they provide adequate support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle of a Best cot for newborn, which can be beneficial for reflux or colic.
It is crucial to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it fits in the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. Find out if the mattress has any particular rules or regulations, like a minimum thickness.
This adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who want a cot that grows with their child. It's initially a cot and then converts into an infant bed, saving you from having to buy an entirely new bed once your baby is ready to use it.
Our panel of test participants loved this cot's easy setup The mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds down without any complicated mechanisms to handle. It's also lightweight and compact and can easily fit into a carry bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' homes.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried and tested range, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that can absorb the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could 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 be compliant with. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into an infant cot bed bed. Check that it is appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to sleep safely. It should be 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is firm and lies flat in the cot. It could pose dangerous to suffocate if it is soft or old, or damaged. Examine for any sagging areas that could pose a danger and then test how the mattress springs back after pressing on it. If you press the middle of a quality cot-mattress it should feel solid.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges, and anything else which could pose a choking risk. It's essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate while they sleep. If your crib has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Do not place your cot near an open radiator or a sunny window. They could get too hot or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. The cords could strangle infants and older children might reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a premium finish, this cot is worth the cost over cheaper alternatives. The instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It takes some time to assemble. It's not cheap, but it will last your child into their toddler years.
Design
It is important to consider that you'll be investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Unlike cribs which 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 kids single bed. To ensure that the crib you buy will last, look out for a model that has adjustable base heights. This feature lets you lower the mattress's height as your child grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.
A useful design feature is the capability to remove the cot bars into sections. This is a great way to give your little one a feeling of independence once they begin playing, and can help them get in and out of their bed with ease. For even greater flexibility Some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cozy sofa by removing the front of the bed.
The slatted style of many cribs is a good option for small spaces, in addition, it assists to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and will ensure that your baby enjoys a restful night.
A cot-sized or small bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleep habits and safety, and can be a beautiful design element to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds for you to choose from.
You'll also find that a range of accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets made of premium bed linen, are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This lets you create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby, making sure they get the best baby cots rest possible.