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 take into account the aesthetic too. A well-designed cot can make your room appear bigger and less cluttered.
Stroller-style and extremely light this model is a good choice for smaller bedrooms. It's also the most simple flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, however, they still offer all the comfort and safety features your baby requires. They can be used from the time of birth, or until your toddler is old enough to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into a stylish couch bed to use with older kids.
Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and reassembled in case you want to store other baby things. You may also want 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 seat into a single piece of furniture.
You can find a wide selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's a bed that will suit your space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup include an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.
When you are choosing a cot it's important to determine the size of your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before purchasing. You should also look at the gap between the bars, as this needs to be no more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, which takes the standard 120 x 60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It is built to last with quality materials and a sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your baby's changing needs. However, it's a much more expensive option than some of 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 is another fantastic option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the most affordable cot. It's stuffed with extra features including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together. The mattress is included, however an additional one is required to help with the toddler conversion.
Comfort
Select a cot that is small and has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep comfortably. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure that your baby gets a good night sleep.
These mattresses are cushioned to help prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants, chemicals and other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.
Typically, these types of mattresses are a great choice for side and back sleepers as they provide good support for the neck as well as the head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built-in cradling feature, which parents have found to be helpful for colic and reflux.
It is crucial to measure the mattress size and ensure that it will fit in the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. You should also determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations to adhere to when purchasing mattresses for cots including the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot bed that will adapt to your child's needs, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to purchase another bed when your child is ready for it.
The simple setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came from the box and unfolded just like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds up without any complicated mechanisms to deal with. It's also small and light, fitting in a carry case that is larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot from grandparents' homes.
This cot is extremely comfy despite being bigger than other models from our tried-and tested collection. It's designed to feel as a mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have a problem with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby, it's important to check that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to comply with. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to transform it into a toddler's bed. Make sure it's the right size for the nursery and has enough space for your child to be safe. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. It could be an entrapment hazard if it is soft or worn out. Check for any sagging areas which could be hazardous and then test how the mattress springs back after pressing down on it. When you press on the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choking risk. Babies must be able to move freely and roll over during their sleep, so it's essential that the cot does not have raised corners or cut-outs could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot features a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secure.
Do not put your cot near a radiator or a window that is sunny. They could get too hot or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords on wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. The cords could strangle infants, and older children could reach out to grab cot bars or even pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a premium finish the cot is worth the cost over the cheaper alternatives. The instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It takes a while to put together. It's not cheap but it'll keep your child safe through their toddler years and look great in any nursery.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, you need to remember that you're likely purchasing a long-term piece of furniture. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the time a child is born until they're able to safely transition to a toddler bed 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 baby grows, making sure they are secure and comfortable for a longer time.
Another important feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take off sections of cot bars. This will give your child a sense of independence when they begin to crawl and will make it easier for them to get into and out of the bed. For more flexibility, some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by taking the front off of the bed.
The slatted design of a lot of cots is a great option for a small space too, as it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference when it comes to comfort, and could make the difference to ensure that your child gets a restful night's sleep.
A cot-sized or small bed is a great investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an excellent accessory to any nursery. With so many options to pick from, it's always worth taking the time to look through the entire selection of cots and cot beds available at Cuckooland to find one that is suitable for your needs.
There's also a range of accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets with premium bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This will allow you to create a an inviting and cozy environment for your child, ensuring they have the best sleep possible.