Buying Small Cot Beds

When shopping for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features, but take into account the aesthetics too. A well-designed cot will make your room appear bigger and less clutter-filled.

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight, this model is a good choice for smaller bedrooms. It's also the simplest flatpack to put together.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots and tots, but still offer all the safety and comfort features that your baby needs. 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 converted into a stylish couch bed to use with older kids.

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

There's a broad variety 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 meet your needs. Many of the designs on our list come with mattresses that are fitted, which helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.

It is essential to measure the space available in your nursery prior to buying a cot. Also, you should consider the space between the bars since this should not be more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot that can accommodate a standard 120 x 60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It is built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your child's changing requirements. It is more expensive than other cots in our list and you will need to buy a mattress separately.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a small nursery, and is our choice of the most value-for-money cots. It's loaded with extra features including teething rails as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together too. The mattress is included, however an additional one is required to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

As a parent, you want your child to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment and one of the most beneficial things you can do to ensure they get an excellent night's rest is to pick a smaller cot bed with a comfy mattress. These are designed to be firmer than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your child will get an enjoyable night's sleep.

The cushioning on these mattresses helps in preventing the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens and chemicals, as well as other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.

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

It is essential to determine the mattress size and ensure that it fits in the base of the cot prior to buying a cot that is small. Find out if the cot mattress has any particular rules or regulations, for instance a minimum thickness.

If you're looking for an cot that can expand with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It starts out as an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, saving you from having to purchase another bed when your child is ready for it.

Our panel of test participants enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds into itself without a complicated mechanism to handle. It's also small and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that is larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting the cot to grandparents at their homes.

Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and-tested range, this cot is extremely comfortable. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel like they are in the bouncer. It's also a sturdy and stable choice for side and back sleepers, however senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your baby, it's essential to verify that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to comply with. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into an infant bed. Make sure it's the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should be at least 140cm by 70cm, and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. It could pose an entrapment hazard if it is soft or old, or damaged. Check the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots should be firm and flat when you press it down on its centre.

Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and other items that could be a choking danger. Babies must be able to move freely and roll over during their sleep, so it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your Best cot for newborn is equipped with drop-sides, make sure you check it regularly to make sure the mechanism is secured.

Do not place the cot next to a radiator or a bright window. It could become too hot or wake up with sunburn. It is also important to keep your cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies, and older children could reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.

This cot is definitely worth the extra money if you want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow, and the wood feels sturdy. It takes time to assemble. It's not cheap cots but it will last until they reach the age of toddlers.

Design

It's important to remember that you'll be investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a brief period of time, cots and beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to safely transition to a toddler or kids single bed. To ensure that the crib you purchase will last, look for a model with adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to fit your baby's development, ensuring they are secure and comfortable.

Another useful design feature to look out for is the capability to take off sections of cot bars. This will provide your child with the feeling of independence as they begin to crawl and make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by removing the front.

The slatted design of a lot of 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 big difference in terms of comfort and can help ensure that your baby gets a restful night.

A small cot or cot bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleep habits and safety, and can be an excellent addition to any nursery setting. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to pick from.

You'll also find that an array of accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets made of top quality bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This allows you to create a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, ensuring they get the best cots uk rest possible.