Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to get caught up in the safety and features when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can make the small space appear bigger and less overwhelmed.
Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight This model is a great choice for smaller bedrooms. It's also the easiest flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still have all the security and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used from birth or until your toddler is old enough to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into a stylish sofa bed to use with older children.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled when you need to store other baby items. You might also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage or an all-purpose design that incorporates an armoire, changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
Our selection of small cots and cribs has a range of sizes, so there's something to fit in every space. Many of the designs that we have listed come with an adjustable mattress that helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
It is crucial to measure the space available in your nursery prior to buying a crib. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars as this should not be greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.
Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which can fit the standard 120x60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It's built to last with a sturdy construction with high-quality materials, and it's easy to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. It is more expensive than other cribs on our list, and you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the most value cot, is another great option for a compact nursery. It's loaded with 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. It includes a mattress however, you'll need a second for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Pick a small cot that has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep well. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night's sleep.
The mattresses are cushioned to help prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used in the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals to ensure that they don't irritate the baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a good option for back and side sleepers as they provide good support for neck, head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built in cradling system, which parents have found to be beneficial for reflux and colic.
It is crucial to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it fits in the base of the cot prior to buying a cot that is small. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, for instance a minimum thickness.
This adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents who are looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It starts out as a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, saving you from having to purchase a new bed when your baby is ready to use it.
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 folds down without a complicated mechanism to handle. It's also light and compact, fitting neatly into a bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' homes.
This cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than other models from our tried-and-tested line-up. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they are in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have a problem with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby, it's essential to verify whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to comply with. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into a toddler bed. Verify that it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough space for your child to be safe. It should be at minimum 140cm by 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is level and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Check the mattress to see if it springs back quickly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots should be solid and flat when you press it down on the centre of it.
Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and other items that could be a danger to choking. Babies must be able to move easily and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot features drop-sides, be sure to check them frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secured.
It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot next to a radiator or sunny window because they may get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. You should also keep your cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, while older children may get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
For Scandi style and a high-quality finish, this cot is worth the investment over other cheaper options. It's a bit laborious to assemble but the directions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not expensive, but it will last your child into their toddler years.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, you need to remember that you're likely investing in an item that will last for a long time. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a short period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from birth until the time when a child can safely transition to a toddler or a single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable height base to ensure it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your child grows, ensuring they stay safe and comfortable for longer.
A useful design feature is the ability to take out cot bars in sections. This will provide your child with a sense of independence when they start to toddle and will make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot , can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.
The slatted design of many cots is an excellent choice for a small space, too, as it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a significant difference in terms of comfort and can help ensure that your baby gets a good sleep.
A small cot or bed is a fantastic investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an attractive design element to any nursery. With so many designs available to pick from, it's always worth the effort to browse the full selection of cots and cot beds that are available at Cuckooland to find a style that suits you.
You'll also find that an array of accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for each cot to complete the look. This lets you create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby, making sure they have the best sleep possible.