Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to focus on the safety and spec features when looking for a smaller bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style, and quite light, this model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the simplest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still provide all the safety and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models convert to an elegant sofa bed to use with older children too.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled and reassembled when you need to store other baby things. Consider best rated cribs -bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs has a range of sizes, so there is something to fit in every space. A lot of the designs in our roundup come with an adjustable 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. You should also check the dimensions to ensure it's suitable before purchasing. The gap between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, which can fit a standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and features a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It's built to last with a sturdy construction with high-quality materials, and is easy to alter as your child grows. It is more expensive than other cribs on our list, and you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a compact nursery, and is our choice of the best value cot. It has a lot of extra features, including teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. It's also easy to put together. The mattress is included, however an additional one will be required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment and one of the most beneficial things you can do to ensure an adequate night's sleep is to choose a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be firmer than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your child will get the rest of the night.
The mattresses are cushioned to prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals to ensure they don't cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin.
Typically, these mattresses are a great choice for side and back sleepers since they provide excellent support for the neck and head as well as body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built-in cradling system, which many parents find to be helpful for reflux and 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 particular rules or regulations, like the minimum thickness.
The adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who are looking for an cot that can grow with their child. It is a cot that transforms into a toddler bed. This will save you the expense of buying a new bed for your child once they are ready.
The simple configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came out of the box and unfolded just like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds over itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also lightweight and compact and can easily fit into a bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case and ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.
Despite being larger than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that carries weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have a problem with it.
Safety
It is essential to make sure that the cot you select is safe for your child. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into an infant bed. Make sure it's the correct size for your nursery and is big enough for your child to sleep safely. It should be 140cm x 70cm, and not have 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 cause suffocation. Look for any areas of sagging which could be hazardous and then test how the mattress will spring back after pressing down on it. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress it should feel solid.
Keep the cot clear of toys, smudges and other items that could cause choking. It's essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate during sleep. If your crib has a drop-side be sure to check it regularly to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
It's recommended to avoid placing a cot close to a radiator or sunny window, as they could get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Keep the cot away from cords on wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, and older children may climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
This cot is well worth the extra cost If you're looking for an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to put together, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap, but it will last through their toddler years.
Design
It's important to keep in mind that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. In contrast to cribs that are used only for a brief period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from birth until a child is able to easily transition into a toddler or kids single bed. To ensure the cot you buy will last, look for a model that has adjustable base heights. This feature lets you lower the mattress height as your child grows, helping them stay safe and comfortable for longer.
Another important feature to keep an eye out for is the capability to take off sections of the cot bars. This is an excellent way to give your child a sense of independence once they begin toddle, and will help them get in and out of their bed quickly. To make it even more flexible, some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by removing the front of the bed.
Many cots have slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a huge difference when it comes to comfort, and could make the difference to ensure your baby gets an adequate night's rest.
A small cot or bed is an excellent investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is a beautiful addition to any nursery setting. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds to pick from.
For each crib, you'll find an array of accessories such as soft duvets and premium bed linen. This makes it simple to create a cozy and warm environment for your baby to enjoy the best sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.