Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to concentrate on the safety features and specifications when you're looking for a compact bed. But don't forget the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and less clutter-filled.

This model is perfect for smaller bedrooms. It's light and stroller-style. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the safety and comfort features that your baby requires. 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 sofa bed for older children.

To make the most of your space, look for an item that is compatible with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that can easily dismantle and reassemble when you need to put in other baby things. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that includes a changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a benches into one piece of furniture.

There's a broad range of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there's a bed that will suit your space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup have a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.

It's important that you determine the size of your nursery prior to purchasing a crib. The gap between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.

Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot that can accommodate the standard 120 x 60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It's designed to last, with a sturdy build and high-quality materials, and is easy to adjust as your child grows. It is more expensive than other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to buy a mattress separately.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the most value cot, is another great option for a compact nursery. It's loaded with extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's super-easy to put together. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy another one for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

As a parent you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment and one of the most beneficial options to help them get an excellent night's rest is to choose a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are more rigid than standard cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure that your baby gets a good night's sleep.

The cushioning of these mattresses also helps to prevent heat retention, which may cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used to make the mattress are also free of chemicals and irritants so that they won't disturb the baby's sensitive skin.

Typically, these types of mattresses are a great choice for side and back sleepers, as they provide great support for neck and head as well as 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 crucial to measure the mattress size and ensure that it fits in the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. You should also determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations you need to follow when purchasing a cot mattress including the minimum thickness.

This adaptable design by Vox is a great option for parents who want a cot that will grow with their child. It's a cot that transforms into a toddler bed. This will save you the expense of purchasing an additional bed for your child when they are ready.

Our panel of test participants enjoyed the cot's simple setup and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot then collapses over itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also light and compact and can easily fit into a carry bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.

Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and tested range, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It is designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if they are in a bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could be a bit uncomfortable with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your baby it is essential to ensure whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into an infant bed. You should also check that it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough room for a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should be 140cm x 70cm, and not have any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is flat and small cot beds firm. It could pose dangerous to suffocate when it is squishy, old, or damaged. Look for any sagging areas that could pose a danger and then test how the mattress will spring back after pressing it. A high-quality mattress for cots should be solid and flat when you press down on its centre.

Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and other items that could pose a choking risk. It's important that babies can move freely and turn over during sleep. If your cot has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.

It's important to avoid placing a cot near the sun or a radiator in case they become too hot or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords on wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other accessories with long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies and older children might reach out to grab cot bars or even pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a premium finish This cot is well worth the investment over other cheaper options. It's not the easiest to put together but the directions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap, but it'll last your child right into their toddler years and look great in any nursery.

Design

It is important to consider that you'll be investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. In contrast to cribs, which are designed for a short time, cots are suitable from the moment a baby is born until they're able to easily transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to fit your baby's growth, keeping them secure and comfortable.

Another important 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 begin walking around, and can help them get in and out of their bed easily. Some crib sets beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa simply by removing the front.

The slatted style of many cots is an excellent choice for a small space, too, as it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This is a significant difference when it comes to comfort and can make all the difference when trying to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.

A cot-sized or small bed is an excellent investment for your baby's sleep habits and safety, and can be an excellent accessory to any nursery. With so many styles to choose from, it's worth the effort to browse the full selection of cots and cot beds on offer at Cuckooland to find one that's perfect for you.

You'll also find that a range of accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and top quality bed linen, are available for each cot to complete the look. This allows you to create an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, ensuring they have the best crib sleep possible.