Buying Small Cot Beds

When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed cot can make a room feel bigger and less cluttered.

Stroller-style, and quite light this model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the most simple flatpack to put together.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but they still have all the comfort and safety features your baby cot online deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready for an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a stylish couch bed to use with older kids.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled, then reassembled in the event that you need to make space for other baby items. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.

Our list of cots for small children and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there is something to suit every space. A lot of the designs in our roundup include an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

When selecting a cot, it's important to measure the space in your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to ensure it's suitable before making your purchase. The gap between the bars should be no greater than 6.5cm. This is 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 quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also simple to adjust to your baby's increasing requirements. It is more expensive than other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to buy a separate mattress.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the best value cot, cot bed is another excellent option for a small nursery. It's packed full of extra features including teething rails as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together. It comes with a mattress, but you'll need to buy a second for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Choose a small cot with an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep comfortably. These mattresses are firmer than the traditional cot mattress however they are soft enough to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep.

The mattresses are cushioned to help prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are also free of chemicals and irritants to ensure they don't cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin.

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

When choosing a small crib bed with a cushioned mattress it is essential to verify the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit into the base of the cot. Find out if the cot mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, such as the minimum thickness.

If you're in search of an cot bed that will expand with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It starts out as an cot, but it can be converted into an infant bed, saving you from having to buy another bed when your child is ready for it.

The user-friendly configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and unfolded just like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot then collapses on itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also lightweight and compact and fits neatly into a carry bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.

Despite being bulkier 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 can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if they're in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy stable and safe option for back and side sleepers, though the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle with it.

Safety

It's vital to make sure that the Cot Bed (he said) you pick is safe for your child. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to transform it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is appropriate for the nursery and has enough space for your child to sleep safely. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is level and firm. It could pose dangerous to suffocate in the event that it is soft, old, or damaged. Examine the mattress to determine whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A good quality cot mattress should feel solid and cot bed flat when you press down on the centre of it.

Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and other things that could pose a choke danger. It's important that babies can move freely and turn over during sleep. If your crib has a drop-side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.

It's recommended to avoid placing a cot near an open window or a radiator in case they become too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Keep the cot far away from wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Babies could be strangled by these, and older babies could climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.

This cot is well worth the extra expense if you want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's a bit laborious to assemble, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap but it will last your child through their toddler years.

Design

When shopping for a small cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're purchasing an item that will last for a long time. Unlike cribs which are used only for a short period of time, cots and beds are suitable from the time the time a child is old enough to easily transition into the toddler or single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's growth, keeping them secure and comfortable.

Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the capability to take sections of cot bars. This will give your child a sense of independence when they begin to crawl and will make it easier to help them get into and out of bed. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by removing the front.

Many cots and tots feature slatted designs that 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 the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby gets a good sleep.

A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment for your Baby Crib's safety and sleeping habits. It's also an excellent addition to any nursery. With so many designs available to pick from, it's worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and cot beds available at Cuckooland to find one that's perfect for you.

For each cot, there's an array of accessories like soft duvets and premium bed linen. This makes it easy to create a warm and welcoming environment for your baby to enjoy the best rated cribs sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.