Buying Small Cot Beds

When shopping for a small cot bed It's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features but consider the design too. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and less cluttered.

This model is perfect for bedrooms with small spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's also the most simple 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 for a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models can be transformed into a chic couch bed to use with older kids.

To maximize your space, consider the right model that will fit with the furniture in your bedroom, or one that you can easily disassemble and put up again when you need to make room for 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 bench seat in one piece of furniture.

You can find a wide variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there's a bed that will fit your space. A lot of the designs in our roundup have a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

When selecting a cot, it is important to measure the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to make sure it's suitable before you purchase. The distance between the bars should not be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.

Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, which can fit a standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and is fitted with a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last, with a sturdy build and high-quality materials, and is easy to alter 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 buy a separate mattress if you choose this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is another great option for a compact nursery. It's loaded with extra features that include teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to accommodate the Baby Crib's development. It is also super easy to put together. The mattress is included, however another one will be required for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

As a parent, you want your child to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the most beneficial options to help them get a good night's sleep is to pick a smaller crib bed with a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be more firm than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough that your child will get a good night's rest.

The mattresses are cushioned to reduce the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are also free of chemicals and irritants to ensure that they don't irritate the baby's sensitive skin.

Typically, these mattresses are a great 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 in a cot, which can be helpful for colic or reflux.

It is important to measure the mattress size and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. You should also determine whether there are specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when buying mattresses for cots including the minimum thickness.

The adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who want a cot that grows with their child. It is a cot that transforms into a toddler bed. This will save you the expense of purchasing an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.

The user-friendly setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came from the box and folded like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds up without a complicated mechanism to deal with. It's also compact and lightweight and fits neatly into a bag slightly larger than a camp chair's case and ideal for taking it to the grandparents' homes.

Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and-tested range, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel as a mattress and has plenty of padding and a springy base that carries weight without making your baby feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could be a bit uncomfortable with it.

Safety

It is crucial to ensure that the cot bed you select is safe for your baby. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to transform it into a toddler's bed. You should also check that it's the right size for your nursery and has enough space for a secure sleep for your baby. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. It can be an entrapment hazard if it is soft, old, or damaged. Check the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A high-quality cot mattress should feel firm and flat when you press it down on the centre of it.

Keep the cot clear of any toys, stickers tots and cots other items that could be a danger to choking. Babies must be able to move easily and roll over during their sleep, so it's also important that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot has a drop side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

Avoid placing a cot next to a radiator or a sunny window. They could get too hot or awake with sunburn. You should also keep the cot clear of wall mounted curtain cords or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories that have long cords. The cords could strangle infants, and older children could reach out to grab cot bars or pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a premium finish This cot is well worth the extra investment over cheaper alternatives. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels solid. It takes some time to assemble. It's not cheap but it will last into their toddler years.

Design

It's important to consider that you'll be investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a short time, cots are appropriate from the time a child is born until they are able to safely transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. To ensure that the crib you buy will last, look out for a design with adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height as your baby grows, helping them stay in a safe and comfortable position for longer.

One of the most useful features of the design is the capability to remove the cot bars into sections. This is an excellent way to provide your baby a sense of independence when they begin to walking around, and can help them get in and out of their bed easily. For even greater flexibility 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.

Many cots feature slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and help ensure that your baby has a restful night.

A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment in your baby's security and sleep habits. It can also be an excellent addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of beds and cots to pick from.

For each cot, you'll find an array of accessories, including soft duvets and high-end bedding. This makes it simple to create a cozy and welcoming environment for your baby to get the best rated cribs sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.