Buying Small Cot Beds
It’s easy to focus on the safety and features when looking for a smaller bed. But don’t forget the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can help make a room feel bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and extremely light this model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It’s the simplest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots, however they still provide all the comfort and safety features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready for an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be transformed into a stylish couch bed for older kids.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled in case you want to store other baby things. It is also possible to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or multi-functional designs that combine a chest of drawers as well as a changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
There’s a broad selection of sizes in our small cot beds (relevant webpage) and cribs roundup which means that no matter if you have a small nursery or a spacious playroom there’s something to meet your needs. Many of the designs in our roundup include a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child’s bed neat and tidy.
When selecting a cot, it is important to measure the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to ensure it’s appropriate before purchasing. Also, you should consider the space between the bars since it should not be more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh style frame. It is constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your child’s increasing needs. However, it’s a much more expensive option than some of the other cots we’ve reviewed and you’ll have to purchase a mattress separately when you pick this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the most value cot, is another ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It’s loaded with 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. It includes a mattress, but you’ll need to buy an additional one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment and one of the best things you can do to ensure a good night’s sleep is to pick a smaller cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be more firm than the traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your child will get an enjoyable night’s sleep.
These mattresses are cushioned to help prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used to make the mattress are free of irritants and chemical so that they won’t disturb your baby’s delicate skin.
These mattresses are a good alternative for back and side sleepers, since they provide excellent support for the neck, head and body. They can be used together with the built-in cradle in the cot, which is useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
If you are considering a mattress cot bed that has cushions it is essential to verify the dimensions of the mattress and whether it will fit into the cot’s base. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, such as the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design by Vox is a great choice for parents looking for a cot that grows with their child. It is a cot that transforms into an infant bed. This will save you the cost of buying a new bed for your child once they are ready.
The easy-to-use setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it “came out of the box and unfolded just like an outdoor chair”. The middle joints snap into place and the cot then collapses over itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It’s also small and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that’s slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot to grandparents home.
The cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than the other models in our tried-and-tested range. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if they’re in the bouncer. It’s a stable, solid alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might be a bit uncomfortable with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby, it’s essential to verify that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to comply with. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into a toddler bed. Also, make sure it’s the right size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide a safe sleep for your little one. It should be at least 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 old, soft or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Examine the mattress to determine whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots should feel firm and flat when you press down on its centre.
Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able to move freely and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it’s essential that the cot doesn’t have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
Do not place your cot near the heat source or a window that is sunny. It could become too hot or awake with sunburn. Also, keep the cot clear of wall mounted curtain cords, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. The cords could strangle infants and older children might reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.
This cot is definitely worth the extra money If you’re looking for the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels solid. It takes some time to put together. It’s not cheap cot bed but it’ll keep your child safe through their toddler years and look fantastic in any nursery.
Design
It’s important to consider that you’re likely to invest in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a small bed. Unlike cribs which are used only for a short period of time, cots offers and cot beds are suitable from the time a child is able to easily transition into a toddler or kids single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure that it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress’s height as your child grows, helping them stay safe and comfortable for longer.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take off sections of the cot bars. This is an excellent way to give your baby a sense of independence once they begin walking around, and can assist them in and out of their bed quickly. For even greater flexibility the cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cozy sofa by taking off the front of the bed.
Many cots offers feature slatted designs that are ideal for small 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 will ensure that your baby has a restful night.
A compact cot, also known as a the cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby’s security and sleeping habits. It’s also an ideal addition to any nursery. With so many options to choose from, it’s always worth taking the time to explore the wide range of cots and cot beds available at Cuckooland to find a style that suits you.
For each cot, there’s a variety of accessories, including soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This makes it easy to put together a cosy and welcoming environment for your baby’s to get the best possible rest, and ensures they’re enjoying every aspect of their new home.