The 10 Scariest Things About Small Cot Beds

Buying Small Cot Beds

When shopping for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but take into account the design too. A well-designed cot can make a room feel bigger and less cluttered.

Stroller-style, and quite light, this model is an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still provide all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models can be transformed into a stylish couch bed for older kids.

Find a product that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled in case you want to make space for other baby cots on sale items. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that includes a changing unit, chest of drawers and benches into one piece of furniture.

There's a broad variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup and, therefore, whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there's something to meet your needs. A lot of the cribs on our list come with a fitted mattress which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

It is crucial to measure the space available in your nursery before purchasing a cot. Also, you should consider the space between the bars since this should not be greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, that can accommodate an average 120 x 60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your child's growing needs. It's more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you'll have to buy a mattress separately.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a compact nursery, and it's our pick for the most affordable cots. It's loaded with extra features such as teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. It's also easy to put together. It includes a mattress, but you'll need to buy an additional one to convert it into a toddler.

Comfort

Choose a small cot with a comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep well. These are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your child will have an enjoyable night's sleep.

The mattresses are cushioned to help prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used on the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's delicate skin.

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

It is essential to determine the mattress size and ensure that it will fit in the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. You should also determine whether there are specific rules and regulations you need to follow when purchasing a cot mattress like the minimum thickness.

If you're in search of a cot bed that can expand with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It starts out as a cot but can later be transformed into an infant bed, saving you from having to buy an entirely new bed once your child is ready for it.

The user-friendly setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came from the box and folded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down without any complicated mechanisms to handle. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect 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 made to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's also a solid stable and safe option for back and side sleepers, however senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle with it.

Safety

It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick is safe for your child. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to convert it into a toddler's bed. You should also check that it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough space for a secure sleeping environment for your child. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure the mattress is flat and firm. It could pose an entrapment hazard when it is squishy, old, or damaged. Test the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should feel firm and lie flat when you press down on the centre of it.

Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choking risk. It is essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If your cot has a drop-side, check it regularly to make sure the mechanism is secure.

Avoid placing the cot for sale next to the heat source or a sunny window. It is possible that they will become too warm or wake up with sunburn. Also, keep your cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies and older children might reach out to grab cot bars or pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a premium finish, this cot is worth the extra investment over the cheaper alternatives. The instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It takes some time to put together. It's not expensive however it will last your child right into their toddler years and look stunning in any nursery.

Design

When shopping for a small cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're investing in a long-term piece of furniture. 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 into a toddler or a single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable height base to ensure that it will last. This feature allows you lower the mattress in height to suit your baby's growth, keeping them safe and comfy.

A great design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This will give your child a sense of independence when they start to toddle and make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. To make it even more flexible the 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 a small space, too, as it helps air circulate and regulate your Baby beds's temperature. This can make a huge difference in comfort, and could make all the difference in trying to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.

A small cot or bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleep habits and safety, and can be an excellent design element to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds to pick from.

There's also an array of accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets made of premium bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This lets you create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your child, ensuring they are getting the best quality sleep possible.