When you are looking for a compact cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but you should also consider the design too. A well-designed cot can make your room appear bigger and less cluttered.
This model is ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the most recommended cribs simple flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still have all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used from the time of birth, or until your toddler is able to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed for use with older children, too.
Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to store other baby items. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multi-functional design that includes a changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seats into one piece of furniture.
There is 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 a bed that will suit your space. A lot of the cribs on our list have a fitted mattress, which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.
When choosing a cot, it's important to determine the size of your nursery and check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before making your purchase. The distance between the bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.
Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's built to last, with a solid construction and quality materials, and it's easy to alter as your child grows. However, it's a much more expensive option than some of the other cots on our list and you'll have to buy a separate mattress if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick for the most value-for-money cot. It comes with a variety of extra features such as teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to suit the growth of your baby. It is also super easy to put together. The mattress is included, however a second one will be required to help with the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent you want your child to have an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment. One of the best options to ensure a good night's sleep is to choose a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. These mattresses are more rigid than traditional cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night sleep.
The mattresses are cushioned to reduce heat retention which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of chemicals and irritants to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's sensitive skin.
These mattresses are a good option for back and side sleepers as they provide good support for the head, neck and body. They can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle of the cot, which is useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.
It is important to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it fits in the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. It is also possible to determine whether there are specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying mattresses for cots like the minimum thickness.
The adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents who want a cot that will grow with their child. It's a cot which converts to a toddler bed. This can save you the expense of purchasing an additional bed for your child when they are ready.
The easy-to-use setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came from the box and was unfolded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down, with no complicated mechanisms to work with. It is also compact and light, fitting in a carry case that is larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot from grandparents home.
Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and tested range, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress and has plenty of padding and a springy base that can absorb weight without making your baby feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may be a bit uncomfortable with it.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your baby, it's important to check whether the cot bed sales bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into a toddler bed. Make sure it's the right size for the nursery and has enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure that the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Check the mattress to see if it springs back quickly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots should feel firm and flat when you press it down on the centre of it.
Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and anything else that could be a danger to choking. It's important that babies can move freely and turn over while they sleep. If your crib has a drop-side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.
Do not place a cot next to a radiator or a sunny window. It could become too hot or awake with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can be strangled by these cords, while older children could climb up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.
This cot is worth the extra expense If you're looking for the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It takes some time to put together. It's not cheap but it will last your child through their toddler years.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's important to remember that you're investing in an item that will last for a long time. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a short period of time, cots and beds are suitable from the time a child is able to safely transition into the toddler or single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable height base to ensure it will last. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child'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 is a great way to give your baby a sense of independence once they start toddle, and will aid them in getting into and out of their bed quickly. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by taking out the front.
The slatted design of many cots is a great option for a small space, also, since it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This is a significant difference in comfort and can make all the difference when trying to ensure that your child gets an adequate night's rest.
A small cot, or the cot-bed, is an excellent investment in your baby's security and sleep habits. It's also an ideal addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of beds and cots to pick from.
For each cot, you'll find an array of accessories, including soft duvets, plus premium bed linen. This will allow you to create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they have the best cot beds sleep possible.