Buying via
When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the specs and safety features but consider the design too. A well-designed cot can make the space appear larger and less clutter-filled.
Stroller-style and extremely light, this model is a great option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the easiest flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still provide all the security and comfort features your baby requires. 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 transformed into a stylish sofa bed for older kids.
To maximize your space, choose the right model that will fit with the furniture in your bedroom or one that can easily dismantle and reassemble if you need to make room for other baby things. infant cot bed might also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with 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.
Our roundup of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there's something to fit in every space. A majority of the designs that we have listed come with an adjustable mattress which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
It's important that you determine the size of your nursery prior to buying a cot. The distance between the bars should not be more than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has stunning sleigh-style frames. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your baby's growing requirements. It is more expensive than other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to buy a mattress separately.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the most value cot, is another excellent option for a small nursery. It's loaded with extra features, including teething rails as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together too. It includes a mattress, however, you'll need another one to convert it into a toddler.
Comfort
As a parent you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the best things you can do to help them get a good night's sleep is to pick a smaller cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are firmer than traditional cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night sleep.
They are cushioned to prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants chemical compounds and other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.
Typically, these kinds of mattresses are also a good choice for side and back sleepers, as they provide great support for the neck and head as well as 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.
If you are considering a crib bed with cushions it is essential to verify the size of the mattress and if it will fit inside the base of the cot. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, such as the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for a cot bed that can expand with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It is a cot that transforms into a toddler bed. This will save you the cost of buying an additional bed for your child once they are ready.
Our panel of testers was impressed by the simple setup of this cot, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds up without any complicated mechanisms to handle. It is also compact and lightweight, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot to grandparents at their homes.
This cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than the other models in our tried-and tested line-up. It's designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's also a solid stable and safe option for back and side sleepers but the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle 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 meet. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. You should also check that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough room for a safe sleep for your little one. It should be at least 140cm by 70cm, and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is level and firm. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Check the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. When you press down on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choke hazard. It is essential that babies move around freely and roll over during sleep. If your crib has a drop-side, inspect it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.
It's important to avoid placing a cot close to an open window or a radiator because they may become too hot or awake with sunburn. Also, keep your cot away from wall mounted curtain cords, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, and older children could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.
For Scandi style and a top-quality finish the cot is worth the investment over the cheaper alternatives. The instructions are clear and the wood is solid. It takes some time to assemble. It's not cheap, but it'll last until their toddler years and look fantastic in any nursery.
Design
It is important to remember that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs, which are used only for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the moment a baby is born until they can safely transition to an adult bed or a single bed. To ensure that the crib you purchase will last, look for a model with adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height as your baby grows, making sure they are safe and comfortable for longer.
Another useful design feature to look out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. This will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to play and make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by removing the front.
Many cots have slatted designs that are perfect for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This is a significant difference in comfort, and could make the difference to ensure that your child gets a restful night's sleep.
A small cot or cot bed is a fantastic investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be a beautiful accessory to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds to choose from.
For each crib, you'll find various accessories such as soft duvets, plus premium bed linen. This makes it easy to put together a cosy and warm environment for your baby to enjoy the best possible rest and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.