When looking for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetic too. A well-designed cot can help make your room appear bigger and less clutter-filled.
This model is perfect for smaller bedrooms. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the simplest flatpack to assemble.
Space-saving
Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots, however, they still offer all the comfort and safety features your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models can be turned into a stylish couch bed for older kids.
To help you make the most of your space, choose a model that fits in with the furniture in your bedroom or one that can easily take apart and put up again when you need to accommodate other baby items. You may also want to consider a compact cot bed with 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.
You can find a wide variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so no matter if you have a small nursery or a huge playroom there's something to suit your space. A lot of the designs in our roundup come with an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.
When you are choosing a cot it is important to measure the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to make sure it's suitable before you purchase. You should also look at the gap between the bars as this should not be greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and features stunning sleigh-style frames. It's designed to last, with a solid construction and quality materials, and is easy to alter as your child grows. However, it's a much more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately in the event you opt for this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a small nursery, and it's our pick of the best value cots. It's loaded with extra features that include teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to fit the baby's development. It's also easy to put together. The mattress is included, but another one will be required to accommodate the toddler transition.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your child to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the most beneficial ways to help them get a good night's sleep is to pick a smaller crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are more rigid than traditional cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep.
The cushioning of these mattresses can also help to reduce the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals to ensure they don't cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin.
Typically, these mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers since they provide excellent support for the neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized in conjunction with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which can be useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
When choosing a small crib bed with cushions it is important to determine the size of the mattress and whether it will fit into the cot's base. You can also find out whether there are any specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying a cot mattress, such as the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot that can adapt to your child's needs and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It's a cot that converts to a toddler bed. This will save you the cost of buying a new bed for your child when they are ready.
Our test panel enjoyed the cot's simple setup The mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds over itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also lightweight and compact, fitting neatly into a bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case, and is ideal for taking it to the grandparents' homes.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that carries the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have a problem with it.
Safety
It is essential to make sure that the cot you pick is safe for your child. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough room for a safe sleep for your baby. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is firm and lies flat inside the cot. It could pose dangerous to suffocate when it is squishy or old, or damaged. Check the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. If you press the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it will feel firm.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and anything else that could be a danger to choking. It's essential that babies 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 near a radiator or sunny window, as they could get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. You should also keep your cot away from 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 even pull themselves up.
For Scandi style and a premium finish the cot is worth the cost over the cheaper alternatives. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble but the directions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap but it'll last until their toddler years and will look stunning in any nursery.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're likely purchasing something that will last for years. Contrary to cribs that are only used for a brief period of time, cots are suitable from the time a child is born until they can safely transition to an adult bed or a single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you lower the mattress in height as your child grows, making sure they are secure and comfortable for a longer time.
A great design feature is the ability to remove the sale cot bars into sections. This is a great way to give your little one a feeling of independence once they begin playing, and can help them get in and out of their bed easily. For more flexibility Some 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 have slatted designs which are ideal for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a huge difference when it comes to comfort, and could make all the difference in trying to ensure that your Baby Crib has a restful night's sleep.
A cot-sized or small bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleep habits and safety, and can be a beautiful accessory to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to pick from.
You'll also find that a range of accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and high-end bed linen are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This allows you to create a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, ensuring they have the best baby cots sleep possible.