Buying Small Cot Beds
When you are looking for a compact cot bed it's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features, but take into account the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less clutter-filled.
This model is perfect for smaller bedrooms. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the most simple flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still have all the safety and comfort features your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a chic couch bed to use with older children.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled and reassembled in the event that you need to make space for other baby things. You may also want to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or multi-functional designs that combine an armoire with a changing table and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there's something to fit in every space. Many of the designs featured 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 take measurements of the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to make sure it will fit before purchasing. The gap between the bars should not be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
small cot beds is a cot which accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and features a beautiful sleigh style frame. It is constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also simple to adapt to your baby's growing requirements. It's more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you'll need to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a small nursery, and is our choice of the best value cots. It's packed full of additional features like teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together. The mattress is included, however an additional one will be needed for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Choose a small cot with a comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep well. These are designed to be a bit firmer than traditional cot mattresses but are still soft enough so that your child will have an enjoyable night's sleep.
These mattresses are cushioned to prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used to make the mattress are also free of irritants and chemical to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's sensitive skin.
Typically, these kinds of mattresses are also a good choice for side and back sleepers as they provide good 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.
When choosing a small crib bed with a cushioned mattress, it's important to check the dimensions of the mattress and whether it will fit inside the base of the cot. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, for instance the minimum thickness.
The adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who want a cot that grows with their child. It's a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed. This can save you the expense of purchasing an entirely new bed for your child when they are ready.
Our panel of testers enjoyed the cot's simple setup and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot then collapses over itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot from grandparents at their homes.
This cot is extremely comfy despite its size being higher than other models from our tried and tested line-up. It is designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if they are in the bouncer. It's also a solid and stable choice for back and side sleepers, but senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.
Safety
It's vital to ensure that the cot bed you choose is safe for your child. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. Verify that it's the right size for the nursery and is big enough for your child to be safe. It should be at minimum 140cm by 70cm, and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Examine for any sagging areas which could be hazardous and then test how the mattress will spring back after pressing down on it. When you press on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it should feel firm.
Keep the cot free of any toys, stickers, and anything else which could be a danger to choking. Babies must be able to move freely and roll over during their sleep, so it's essential that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure you check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secure.
It's important to avoid placing a cot next to an open window or a radiator because they may get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords on wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and decorative accessories that have long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies and older children might reach out to grab cot bars or pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a premium finish the cot is worth the cost over the cheaper alternatives. It's not the easiest to put together but the directions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not expensive however it will last until their toddler years and look stunning in any nursery.
Design
It's important to remember that you're likely to invest in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a short period of time, cots can be used from the time a child is born until they are able to easily transition to the toddler bed or single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress's height as your child grows, making sure they are safe and comfortable for longer.
Another important feature to look out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. This will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to play and make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by removing the front.
The slatted style of many cribs is a good option for small spaces, also, since it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This is a significant difference when it comes to comfort, and could make all the difference when trying to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.
A small cot, or the cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby's security and sleeping habits. It can also be an excellent addition 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 one that is suitable for your needs.
There's also an array of 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.