Small Cot Beds: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

Buying Small Cot Beds

When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but take into account the aesthetic too. A well-designed cot can help make your room appear bigger and less clutter-filled.

This model is ideal for smaller bedrooms. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots, however, they still offer all the comfort and safety features your baby requires. They can be used from birth, or until your toddler is able to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a stylish couch bed to use with older kids.

To help you make the most of your space, consider an item that is compatible with the furniture in your bedroom or one that you can easily take apart and reassemble if you need to make room for other baby items. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that combines the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.

Our list of cots for small children and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there's something for every space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup have a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

It's important that you measure the space available in your nursery prior to buying a crib. The distance between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, that can accommodate a standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It is constructed to last using high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It is also easy to adjust to your baby's increasing needs. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other best cots uk on our list, and you'll need to buy a separate mattress if you choose this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great crib choice for a compact nursery, and is our choice of the most value-for-money cots. It comes with a variety of extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's growth. It is also super easy to assemble. The mattress is included, however another one will be required for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Select a cot that is small and has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep well. They are designed to be more firm than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough to ensure that your baby will enjoy the rest of the night.

The cushioning on these mattresses also helps to prevent the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.

Typically, these kinds of mattresses are also a good choice for side and back sleepers as they provide good support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized together with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which is useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.

When selecting a cot bed with a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit into the cot's base. Find out if the mattress has any specific rules or regulations, such as a minimum thickness.

If you're looking for an cot bed that will adapt to your child's needs and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It starts out as an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, saving you from having to purchase an entirely new bed once your baby is ready for it.

Our panel of testers enjoyed the cot's simple setup and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place and the cot collapses over itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also small and light, fitting in a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot to grandparents at their homes.

Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and-tested range, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they're in the bouncer. It's a solid, Great Crib stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could be a bit uncomfortable with it.

Safety

It is essential to ensure that the cot bed you pick is safe for your baby. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into a toddler bed. You should also check that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide a safe sleep for your baby. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure the mattress is level and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could create a risk of suffocation. Check for any sagging areas which could be hazardous and then test how quickly the mattress springs back when pressing it. When you press on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it should feel firm.

Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choking hazard. 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 corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot next to a radiator or sunny window in case they become too hot or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies, and older children could reach out to grab cot bars or even pull themselves up.

This cot is well worth the extra money 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 feels solid. It's not cheap however it will last until their toddler years and will look great in any nursery.

Design

When looking for a compact cot bed, it's important to remember that you're likely purchasing an item that will last for a long time. Contrary to cribs that are used only for a short period of time, cots are appropriate from the moment a baby is born until they can safely transition to an adult bed or a single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress's height as your child grows, making sure they are safe and comfortable for longer.

Another important feature to look out for is the ability to take off sections of the cot bars. This will give your child the feeling of independence as they begin to play and will make it easier to help them get into and out of the bed. For even greater flexibility the cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by taking off the front of the bed.

The slatted style of many cots is an excellent choice for a small space in addition, it assists to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep and can help ensure that your baby gets an enjoyable sleep.

A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment in your baby's safety and sleeping habits. It can also be a lovely addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots 4 tots and beds for you to choose from.

For each cot, you'll find an array of accessories such as soft duvets and premium bed linen. This allows you to create an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby, ensuring they are getting the best cot newborn quality sleep possible.