Buying
Small Cot BedsIt's easy to get caught up in the safety features and specifications when looking for a smaller bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less overwhelmed.
Stroller-style and extremely light, this model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still provide 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 around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a chic couch bed to use with older kids.
To make the most of your space, look for an item that is compatible with your existing bedroom furniture or one that can easily disassemble and put up again when you need to accommodate other baby things. You might also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines a chest of drawers as well as a changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
There's a broad variety of sizes in our small
cot beds and
recommended cribs roundup and, therefore, regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there's something to suit your space. A lot of the designs in our roundup come with a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.
When you are choosing a cot it is essential to determine the size of your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before purchasing. You should also look at the gap between the bars, as this needs to be no greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and features stunning sleigh-style frames. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also simple to adapt to your child's changing requirements. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other cots on our list and you'll have to purchase a mattress when you pick this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a small nursery, and it's our pick of the
best cot newborn value cots. It comes with a variety of extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to suit your baby's growth. It is also super easy to assemble. It comes with a mattress, but you'll need to buy a second for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your child to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the most beneficial 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. They are designed to be more firm than traditional cot mattresses but are still soft enough so that your child will have the rest of the night.
They are cushioned to help prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort in 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.
These mattresses are a good option for back and side sleepers, as they offer adequate support for neck, head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built in cradling system, which many parents find to be helpful for reflux and colic.
When choosing a small cot bed with a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the size of the mattress and whether it will fit inside the base of the cot. You should also determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when buying a cot mattress like the minimum thickness.
If you're looking for an cot bed that will grow with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It's a cot that can be converted into an infant bed. This saves you the expense of purchasing a new bed for your child when they are ready.
Our panel of test participants was impressed by the simple setup of this cot 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 down without a complicated mechanism to work with. It's also light and compact and fits neatly into a carry bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.
This cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than the other models in our tried-and tested collection. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they are in the bouncer. It's a solid, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have a problem with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby, it's important to check that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. Check that it is appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to sleep safely. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.
Make sure the mattress is flat and firm. It can be a suffocation hazard in the event that it is soft or old, or damaged. Look for any areas of sagging which could be hazardous, and test to see how quickly the mattress will spring back after pressing it. If you press the middle of a
good cribs quality cot-mattress it should feel firm.
Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other items that could cause choking. Babies must be able to move easily and roll over in their sleep, so it's also important that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot is equipped with drop-sides, be sure to check them often to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.
Do not place a cot next to a radiator or a sunny window. They could get too warm or awake with sunburn. You should also keep the cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall,
baby cot online monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies and older children might reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.
This cot is worth the extra cost If you're looking for an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. It's not the easiest to assemble, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap however it will last until their toddler years and look stunning in any nursery.
Design
It's important to keep in mind that you'll be investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a small bed. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a short period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from the time the time when a child can safely transition to the toddler or single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you lower the mattress height as your baby grows, ensuring they stay in a safe and comfortable position for longer.
Another important feature to look out for is the capability to take off sections of the cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your baby a sense of independence once they start playing, and can assist them in and out of their bed easily. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by taking out the front.
Many cots feature slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and can help ensure that your baby has an enjoyable sleep.