Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to concentrate on the safety and features when looking for a smaller bed. But don't forget the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help make a small room appear larger and less overwhelmed.

This model is ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the easiest flatpack to put together.

Space-saving

Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots but they still have 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 couch bed to use with older kids.

To maximize your space, consider the right model that will fit with your existing bedroom furniture or one that can easily disassemble and put up again when you want to make room for other baby objects. You may also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage, or multi-functional designs that combine an armoire with a changing table and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

There's a broad variety of sizes in our small cot beds and recommended cribs roundup which means that whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there should be something to suit your space. A majority of the designs on our list come with a fitted mattress that helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.

It is crucial to measure the space available in your nursery prior to purchasing a cot. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars, as it should not be greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which takes an average 120 x 60cm mattress, and features a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last with a sturdy construction with high-quality materials, and it's easy to adjust as your baby grows. However, it's a much more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to purchase a mattress if you choose this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the best value cot, is a great option for a compact nursery. It's loaded with extra features, including teething rails. There are two height positions that 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 a second for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

As a parent, you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the most beneficial ways to ensure an adequate night's sleep is to select a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These are designed to be more firm than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your child will get an enjoyable night's sleep.

The cushioning on these mattresses can also help to reduce heat retention, which can cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens, chemicals and other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.

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

When choosing a small cot bed with cushions it is important to determine the size of the mattress and whether it can be placed inside the cot's base. It is also possible to determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying a cot mattress including the minimum thickness.

This adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It's initially an cot, but it can be converted into an infant bed, saving you from having to purchase another bed when your baby is ready for it.

The user-friendly configuration of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came out of the box and unfolded just like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds on itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting neatly into a carry bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' homes.

Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel like they are in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Crib Sets 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 the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to meet. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into a toddler bed. Make sure it's appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to sleep safely. It should be 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is firm and sits flat inside the cot. If it's old, soft or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Check for any sagging areas that could pose a danger and then test how the mattress springs back after pressing on it. A high-quality cot mattress should feel firm and flat when you press down on the centre of it.

Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and anything else that could pose a choking danger. Babies should be able move freely and roll over during their sleep, so it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cheap cot bed features a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.

Do not put a cot next to an open radiator or a window that is sunny. They could get 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. The cords could strangle infants and older children might reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a premium finish This cot is well worth the extra investment over the cheaper alternatives. It's not the easiest to put together however the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap cot bed however it will keep your child safe through their toddler years and look stunning in any nursery.

Design

It is important to consider that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. In contrast to cribs, which are used only for a short time, cots can be used from the time a child is born until they can safely move to a toddler bed or kids single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you lower the mattress's in height as your child grows, making sure they are secure and comfortable for a longer time.

Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the capability to remove sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your little one a feeling of independence once they start walking around, and can aid them in getting into and out of their bed quickly. To make it even more flexible Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a comfortable sofa by taking off the front of the bed.

Many cots come with slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This makes a large difference in comfort, and could make all the difference when trying to ensure your baby gets a restful night's sleep.

A small cot or bed is an excellent investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be a beautiful accessory to any nursery. With so many options to choose from, it's always worth taking the time to explore the wide range of cots and cots on offer at Cuckooland to find a style that's perfect for you.

You'll also find that various accessories, like baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This lets you create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby, making sure they get the best rest possible.