Buying Small Cot Beds

When shopping for a small cot bed It's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features but consider the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less overwhelmed.

This model is ideal for bedrooms with small spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the most simple flatpack to assemble.

Space-saving

Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots but they still have all the comfort and safety features your baby needs. They are suitable from birth, or until your toddler is ready to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children too.

Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to make room for other baby items. It is also possible to think about a compact cot bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines an armoire, changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.

There's a broad variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there's a bed that will meet your needs. Many of the designs featured 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 take measurements of the space in your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before purchasing. The gap between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, that can accommodate the standard 120x60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It's designed to last, with a sturdy build and high-quality materials, and is easy to alter as your baby grows. It's more expensive than the other cots we've reviewed, and you will need to buy a mattress separately.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the most value cot, is another excellent option for a small nursery. It's packed full of extra features including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together. It includes a mattress, however, you'll need another one for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

As a parent you want your child to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment and one of the best ways to ensure an adequate night's sleep is to pick a smaller cot bed with a comfy mattress. These mattresses are more rigid than the traditional cot mattress but are soft enough to ensure that your baby gets a good night sleep.

These mattresses are cushioned to reduce heat retention which can cause discomfort in 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.

These mattresses are a good alternative for back and side sleepers, as they offer good cribs support for neck, head and body. They can be used together with the built-in cradle in the cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.

It is crucial to measure the mattress size and ensure that it fits in the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. You should also determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations to follow when purchasing mattresses for cots like the minimum thickness.

If you're looking for an cot that can grow with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It starts out as a cot and then converts into an infant bed, saving you from having to buy another bed when your child is ready for it.

The simple setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came out of the box and folded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds into itself without any complicated mechanisms to deal with. It's also compact and lightweight and fits neatly into a bag smaller than a camping chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' homes.

This cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than other models from our tried-and-tested collection. It's designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding, and a springy bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel as if they are in the bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might have a problem with it.

Safety

For your baby's safety, it's essential to verify whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to convert it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to be safe. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat inside the cot. If it's old, soft or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Test the mattress to see if it springs back quickly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should feel firm and flat when you press it down on its centre.

Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choke hazard. It's essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If your crib has a drop side check it frequently to ensure the mechanism locks securely.

Do not put your cot near the heat source or a sunny window. They could get too hot or small cot beds awake with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children might reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a premium finish the cot is worth the investment over cheaper alternatives. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels sturdy. It takes some time to put together. It's not cheap, but it will last through their toddler years.

Design

When you're looking for a small cot bed, you need to keep in mind that you're investing in something that will last for years. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized for a limited period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from the time a child is able to safely transition into the toddler or single bed. To ensure the cot you buy will last, look out for a model with adjustable base heights. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's growing needs, while keeping them safe and comfortable.

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

The slatted style of many cots is a great option for small spaces, too, as it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby gets a good sleep.

A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment in your baby's security and sleeping habits. It's also a lovely addition to any nursery. With so many designs available to pick from, it's always worth taking the time to look through the entire selection of cots and beds available at Cuckooland to find the style that is suitable for your needs.

For each crib, you'll find an array of accessories such as soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This will allow you to create a an inviting and cozy environment for your child, ensuring they have the best crib newborn sleep possible.