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 cot will make your room appear bigger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and extremely light This model is an excellent option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still have all the safety and comfort features that your baby requires. They are suitable 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 an elegant sofa bed to use with older children, too.
Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to make space for other baby items. It is also possible to think about a compact cot bed that has built-in storage or an all-purpose design that incorporates a chest of drawers with a changing table and bench seats into one piece of furniture.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, so there is something to suit every space. A majority of the designs that we have listed come with a fitted mattress which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
It is essential 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.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's built to last with a solid construction and high-quality materials, and is easy to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the most value cot, is a great option for a compact 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. It's also incredibly simple to put together too. The mattress is included, however another one is required for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Choose a small cot with an easy mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. These mattresses are firmer than the traditional cot mattress but are soft enough to ensure your baby gets a good night sleep.
The mattress's cushioning can also help to reduce heat retention, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure they don't cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a good option for side and back 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 many parents find to be helpful in cases of colic and reflux.
It is important to measure the mattress size and ensure that it fits in the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. Find out if the cot mattress has any particular rules or regulations, like a minimum thickness.
The adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who want a cot that will grow with their child. It's a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed. This will 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 of the box and folded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds on itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also small and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that is larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot to grandparents home.
This cot is extremely comfortable, despite being larger than other models in our tried-and tested range. It's made to feel like a mattress and has plenty of padding and a bouncy base that carries weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's also a sturdy, stable option for both back and side sleepers however the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.
Safety
It's vital to make sure that the cot you choose is safe for your child. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to convert it into a toddler's bed. Verify that it's the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to sleep safely. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is flat and firm. It could pose dangerous to suffocate when it is squishy, old, or damaged. Check for any areas of sagging that could be dangerous, and test to see how quickly the mattress will spring back after pressing down on it. If you press the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it should feel firm.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choke risk. It's important that babies can move freely and turn over as they sleep. If your crib has a drop-side be sure to check it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.
Avoid placing your cot near an open radiator or a sunny window. It is possible that they will become too hot or awake with sunburn. It is also important to keep your cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children might reach out to grab bars for their cot or pull themselves up.
This cot is well worth the extra expense for those who want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. It's not the easiest to put together but the directions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not expensive but it'll last until their toddler years and will look fantastic in any nursery.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a short time, cots can be used from the moment a baby is born until they can easily transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. To ensure that the crib you purchase will last, look out for a design with adjustable base heights. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's in height as your child grows, making sure they are in a safe and comfortable position for longer.
Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to give your baby a sense of independence once they begin playing, and can assist them in and out of their bed quickly. For reference , some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a comfortable sofa by taking the front off of the bed.
The slatted style of many cots is a great option for small spaces, in addition, it assists air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference when it comes to comfort and can make the difference to ensure your baby gets a restful night's sleep.
A compact cot, also known as a cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby’s security and sleeping habits. It's also an ideal addition to any nursery. With so many designs available to choose from, it's worth the effort to browse the full selection of cots and cot beds available at Cuckooland to find one that suits you.
For each crib, you'll find a variety of accessories such as soft duvets, plus premium bed linen. This makes it simple to create a warm and comfortable environment for your baby to enjoy the best possible rest, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.