Buying Small Cot Beds
When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but take into account the design too. A well-designed bed can make the small space appear bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and extremely light This model is a good choice for smaller bedrooms. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, however, they still offer all the comfort and safety features your baby needs. They are suitable from birth, or until your toddler is old enough to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into a chic couch bed for older children.
To make the most of your space, look for a model that fits in with your existing bedroom furniture or one that you can easily disassemble and reassemble when you need to accommodate other baby items. You may also want to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage or multi-functional designs that combine an armoire as well as a changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
You can find a wide selection of sizes in our cots that are small and cribs roundup, so whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there's something to suit your space. A majority of the designs on our list have a fitted mattress which helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
It is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to buying a crib. You should also look at the gap between the bars, as it should not be greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which takes a standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and is fitted with a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's designed to last, with a sturdy construction with high-quality materials, and it's easy to alter as your baby grows. It's more expensive than other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the most value cot, is another excellent option for a small nursery. It's packed full of extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together too. The mattress is included, however an additional one is required for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has an easy mattress. This will help your baby rest comfortably. These mattresses are firmer than traditional cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.
The cushioning of these mattresses can also help to reduce heat retention, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's sensitive skin.
Typically, nursery cots of mattresses are a great choice for side and back sleepers as they provide good support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be used together with the built-in cradle in a cot, which can be useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
When choosing a small crib bed with a cushioned mattress it is essential to verify the size of the mattress as well as whether it can be placed inside the cot's base. It is also possible to determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when buying a cot mattress including the minimum thickness.
If you're in search of an cot that can adapt to your child's needs take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It is a cot that can be converted into an infant bed. This will save you the cost of buying a new bed for your child when they are ready.
The easy-to-use setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came out of the box and unfolded just like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds into itself without any complicated mechanisms to deal with. It's also light and compact and fits neatly into a bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's also a solid stable and safe option for side and back sleepers, though senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby it's important to check whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into a toddler bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the right size for your nursery and has enough space to provide a safe sleep for your baby. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Check for any areas of sagging that could be dangerous, and test to see how quickly the mattress springs back when pressing it. A good quality mattress for cots should feel solid and flat when you press it down on its centre.
Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and anything else that could pose a choking risk. It's important that babies can move around freely and roll over during sleep. If your cot features a drop-side, check it often to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Do not put a cot next to the heat source or a sunny window. It could become too warm or awake with sunburn. You should also keep the cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, and older babies could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.
For Scandi style and a high-quality finish, this cot is worth the extra investment over other cheaper options. It's a bit laborious to put together, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap but it will last through their toddler years.
Design
When you're looking for a small cot bed, you need to keep in mind that you're investing in something that will last for years. Contrary to cribs that are only used for a short period of time, cots are appropriate from the moment a baby is born until they can easily transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure it will last. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's height to fit your baby's development, ensuring they are safe and comfy.
Another important feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to give your child a sense of independence when they begin to walking around, and can assist them in and out of their bed easily. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by removing the front.
The slatted design of many cots is an excellent choice for small spaces, in addition, it assists air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This makes a large difference in comfort and can make all the difference when trying to ensure your baby gets an adequate night's rest.
A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby’s security and sleeping habits. It's also a lovely addition to any nursery. With so many designs available to pick from, it's worth the effort to look through the entire selection of cots and cots available at Cuckooland to find one that is suitable for your needs.
You'll also find that various accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and top quality bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This lets you create a an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, ensuring they have the best sleep possible.