Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to get caught up in the safety and spec features when looking for a smaller bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can make a room feel bigger and less cluttered.

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

Space-saving

Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots however they still provide all the comfort and safety features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a chic couch bed to use with older children.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and reassembled in case you want to make space for other baby things. It is also possible to think about a compact cot bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines a chest of drawers, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

There is a wide range of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there's a bed that will suit your space. Many of the designs on our list come with a fitted mattress, which helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.

When you are choosing a cot it's important to determine the size of your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before making your purchase. The distance between the bars should not be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has stunning sleigh-style frames. It is built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also easy to adapt to your baby's growing requirements. However, it's a much more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to buy a separate mattress in the event you opt for this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a smaller nursery and is our choice of the most value-for-money cot. It comes with a variety of extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's growth. It is also super easy to assemble. The mattress is included, but a second one is required for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Choose a small cot with a comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. They are more firm than traditional cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable 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 irritants, chemicals and other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.

Typically, these types of mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for the neck and head as well as body. They can also be used with the cot's built in cradling system, which many parents find to be helpful in cases of reflux and colic.

If you are considering a cot bed with cushions it is essential to verify the dimensions of the mattress and whether it can be placed inside the base of the cot. It is also possible to determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying the mattress for a cot including the minimum thickness.

The adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents who are looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It's a cot which can be converted into a toddler bed. This can save you the expense of buying an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.

Our test panel loved this cot's easy setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds up, with no complicated mechanisms to handle. It's also light and compact and can easily fit into a bag smaller than a camping chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' homes.

Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel as if 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 may have issues with it.

Safety

For your baby's safety, it's essential to verify that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to transform it into a toddler's bed. Verify that it's the correct size for your nursery and is big enough for your child to sleep safely. It should be at least 140cm by 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. It can be a suffocation hazard if it is soft or worn out. Examine the mattress to determine whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots offers should feel firm and flat when you press down on the middle of it.

Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choking danger. Babies should be able to move around easily and roll during 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 has a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secured.

It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot close to a radiator or sunny window in case they become too hot or wake up with a sunburn. It is also important to keep the cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children may reach out to grab cot bars or even pull themselves up.

This cot is definitely worth the extra expense for those who want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels sturdy. It takes a while to assemble. It's not expensive, but it will last your child until they reach the age of toddlers.

Design

It is important to consider that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs which are used only for a short period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to easily transition into the toddler or single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's in height to suit your baby's growing needs, while keeping them safe and comfortable.

A great design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This will provide your child with a sense of independence when they start to toddle and will make it easier to help them get into and out of bed. Some best crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by removing the front.

The slatted design of a lot of cots is a great option for small spaces, in addition, it assists to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This makes a large difference when it comes to comfort, and could make all the difference in trying to ensure your baby gets a restful night's sleep.

A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby's security and sleeping habits. It's also an ideal addition to any nursery. With so many styles to pick from, it's worth taking the time to look through the entire selection of cots and tots and cot beds that are available at Cuckooland to find one that suits you.

For each cot, you'll find a variety of accessories such as soft duvets and premium bed linen. This makes it simple to create a cozy and welcoming environment for your baby's to get the best crib for newborn sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.