Buying Small Cot Beds
It's easy to focus on the safety and features when shopping for a small bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help make smaller rooms appear larger and less clutter-filled.
This model is ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the simplest flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the safety and comfort features that 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 children.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to make space for other baby items. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multifunctional design that includes a changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and benches into one piece of furniture.
There is a wide variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there's a bed that will meet your needs. Many of the designs on our list come with a fitted mattress, which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When choosing a cot, it is important to take measurements of the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to make sure it will fit before purchasing. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, that can accommodate an average 120 x 60cm mattress, and is fitted with a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's built to last, with a solid construction and high-quality materials, and is simple to adjust as your child grows. It is more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you'll have to buy a separate mattress.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the most value cot, is a ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's packed full of extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together too. The mattress is included, but an additional one will be needed to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
Pick a small cot that has a comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest.
They are cushioned to reduce heat retention which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants, chemicals and other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.
Baby Cot Bed are a good alternative for back and side sleepers, since they provide good support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be used together with the built-in cradle in the cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.
It is crucial to measure the mattress size and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior purchasing a small cot. You should also determine whether there are specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when buying mattresses for cots, such as the minimum thickness.
This adaptable design by Vox is a great choice for parents who want an cot that can grow with their child. It is initially an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from the expense of buying an entirely new bed once your child is ready for it.
Our panel of testers was impressed by the simple setup of this cot The mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place and the cot collapses on itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It is also compact and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents home.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It's made to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that can absorb the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may be a bit uncomfortable with it.
Safety
It's vital to make sure that the cot you choose is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into a toddler bed. Verify that it's appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to rest comfortably. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Check for any sagging areas that could be dangerous and test how the mattress will spring back after pressing on it. A high-quality cot mattress should feel firm and flat when you press down on the middle of it.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and anything else that could be a choking danger. It's important that babies can be able to move around freely and rotate as they 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 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, baby monitor cables, and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these, and older children may climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.
For mini cotbed and a premium finish the 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 cheap, but it will last your child into their toddler years.
Design
When you're looking for a small cot bed, you need to keep in mind that you're purchasing an item that will last for a long time. In contrast to cribs, which are designed for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the moment a baby is born until they can easily transition to an adult bed or a single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure it lasts. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height to accommodate your child's growth, keeping them secure and comfortable.
Another design element to keep an eye out for is the capability to remove sections of cot bars. This is a great way to give your baby a sense of independence once they begin playing, and can aid them in getting into and out of their bed quickly. To make it even more flexible, some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cozy sofa by taking the front off of the bed.
Many cots have slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a significant difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby enjoys a restful night.
A cot-sized or small bed is an excellent investment for your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is a beautiful design element to any nursery. With so many designs available to choose from, it's always worth taking the time to explore the wide range of cots and cot beds on offer at Cuckooland to find a style that's perfect for you.
There's also an array of accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets made of top quality bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This makes it easy to create a warm and welcoming environment for your baby to get the best sleep possible and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.