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 consider the design too. A well-designed cot can help make your room appear bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and extremely light, this model is a great option for smaller bedrooms. It's also the easiest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still provide all the safety and comfort features that your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models can be transformed into a stylish couch bed to use with older children.
To help you maximize your space, look for a model that fits in with your existing bedroom furniture or one that can easily dismantle and reassemble when you want to make room for other baby items. It is also possible to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage, or an all-purpose design that incorporates the drawers of a chest, changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
Our list of cots for small children and cribs has a range of sizes, meaning there's something to fit in every space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup have a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
recommended you read is crucial to measure the space available in your nursery prior to buying a cot. You should also look at the gap between the bars, as this needs to be no greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, that can accommodate the standard 120 x 60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It's built to last, with a solid construction and high-quality materials, and is simple to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. It's more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you'll have to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the best value cot, is a ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's loaded with extra features, including teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to suit the baby's development. It's also easy to assemble. The mattress is included, however an additional one is required to help with the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the best things you can do to ensure they get a good night's sleep is to pick a smaller cot bed with a comfy mattress. These are designed to be more firm than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your baby will enjoy a good night's rest.
The mattress's cushioning helps in preventing heat retention, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to your baby's skin.
Typically, these kinds of mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for 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 beneficial for reflux and colic.
When choosing a small mattress cot bed that has a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the size of the mattress and if it will fit inside the base of the cot. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, such as 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 which transforms into a toddler bed. This can save you the expense of purchasing a new bed for your child when they are ready.
The user-friendly configuration of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds down, with no complicated mechanisms to handle. It's also small and light, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot to grandparents' homes.
This cot is extremely comfy, despite being larger than the other models in our tried-and tested range. It's designed to feel as a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb weight without making your baby feel like they're in the bouncer. It's also a solid stable and safe option for side and back sleepers, but senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.
Safety
It's vital to ensure that the cot bed you pick is safe for your child. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into an infant bed. Check that it is the right size 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 corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is flat and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could create a risk of suffocation. Examine the mattress to determine whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress it should feel firm.
Keep the cot clear of toys, stickers and anything else that could cause choking. It's essential that babies move freely and turn over during sleep. If your crib has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.
It's important to avoid placing a cot close to an open window or a radiator because they may become too hot or awake with sunburn. Also, keep your cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can be strangled by these, and older children may climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
For Scandi style and a high-quality finish, this cot is worth the cost over cheaper alternatives. The instructions are clear and the wood is solid. It takes time to put together. It's not expensive but it'll last until their toddler years and will look great in any nursery.
Design
It's important to remember that you'll be investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a short time, cots are appropriate from the time a child is born until they can safely move to a toddler bed or kids single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height to accommodate your child's development, ensuring they are secure and comfortable.
Another design element to look out for is the capability to take off sections of the cot bars. This will give your child the feeling of independence as they begin to crawl and will make it easier for them to get into and out of bed. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.
Many cots have slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby enjoys a good sleep.
A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby’s security and sleep habits. It can also be a lovely addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of beds and cots to pick from.
For each cot, you'll find various accessories, including soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This makes it simple to create a cozy and welcoming environment for your baby to get the best sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.