25 Surprising Facts About Small Cot Beds

Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to get caught up in the safety features and specifications when looking for a smaller bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help make smaller rooms appear larger and less overwhelmed.

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight this model is an excellent option for smaller bedrooms. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready for an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be turned into a stylish sofa bed for older children.

To help you make the most of your space, consider a model that fits in with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that you can easily dismantle and reassemble when you need to make room for other baby objects. You may also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines the drawers of a chest as well as a changing unit 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 huge playroom there's something to meet your needs. A lot of the cribs on our list come with mattresses that are fitted that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.

It is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery before purchasing a cot. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has an elegant sleigh-style frame. It is built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It is also easy to adjust to your baby's growing requirements. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to buy a separate mattress when you pick this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a smaller nursery and is our choice of the best cot bed 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. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy a second for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

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

These mattresses are cushioned to reduce the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of chemicals and irritants to ensure they don't cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin.

These mattresses are a good alternative for back and side sleepers, as they offer adequate support for the neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized in conjunction with the built-in cradle in a cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.

It is important to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, such as a minimum thickness.

This adaptable design by Vox is a great option for parents who are looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It's a cot which transforms into an infant bed. This will save you the cost of buying a new bed for your child once they are ready.

Our panel of test participants 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 then collapses into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and lightweight and can easily fit into a bag slightly larger than a camp chair's case and ideal for taking it to the grandparents' homes.

Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried and tested range, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It is designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they're in the bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might have a problem with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your baby it's important to check that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to meet. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into an infant bed. Check that it is the correct size for your nursery and is big enough for your child to rest comfortably. It should be 140cm x 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could create a risk of suffocation. Test the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots should feel solid and flat when you press it down on its centre.

Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers, and anything else which could cause choking. It's essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate during sleep. If your cot has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

It's important to avoid placing a cot next to an open window or a radiator, as they could become too hot or awake with sunburn. You should also keep the cot clear of cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children might reach out to grab cot bars or even pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a high-quality finish, this cot is worth the investment over cheaper alternatives. It's a bit laborious to put together however the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap baby cots however it will keep your child safe through their toddler years and will look fantastic in any nursery.

Design

It is important to remember that you'll be 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 and cot beds are suitable from the time the time a child is old enough to safely transition to the toddler or single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's development, ensuring they are secure and comfortable.

A useful design feature is the ability to take out the cot bars into sections. This will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to crawl and will make it easier for them to get into and out of the bed. For even greater flexibility, some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cosy sofa simply by taking the front off of the bed.

The slatted design of a lot of cribs is a good option for small spaces, too, as it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This makes a large difference in comfort and can make all the difference in trying to ensure that your baby has a good night's sleep.

A small cot or cot bed is a great investment for your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be a beautiful design element to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of beds and cots to pick from.

For each cot, there's various accessories such as soft duvets and premium bedding. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they get the best cot beds rest possible.