Buying Small Cot Beds

When looking for a small cot bed It's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features but consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed cot can help make a room feel bigger and less cluttered.

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

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still offer all the safety and comfort features that your baby needs. They can be used from the time of birth or until your toddler is old enough to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a stylish couch bed for older children.

To help you maximize your space, choose a model that fits in with the furniture in your bedroom or one that you can easily disassemble and reassemble if you need to put in other baby items. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or Small Cot Beds a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

There's a broad variety of sizes in our small cot beds (webpage) and cribs beds roundup and, therefore, regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there should be something to meet your needs. Many of the designs on our list come with an adjustable mattress which helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

When choosing a cot, it is essential to measure the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to make sure it's suitable before making your purchase. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.

Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, which can fit the standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and is fitted with a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It is constructed to last using high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also simple to adapt to your baby's growing needs. It's more expensive than other cheap cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to buy a separate mattress.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a small nursery, and is our choice of the most value-for-money cots. It comes with a variety of extra features such as teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to suit the growth of your baby. It is also super easy to put together. The mattress is included, but a second one is required to help with the toddler conversion.

Comfort

As a parent you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial ways to help them get an excellent night's rest is to pick a smaller cot bed with a comfy mattress. They are designed to be a bit firmer than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough that your child will get an enjoyable night's sleep.

They are cushioned to help prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.

These mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers as they provide adequate support for the head, neck and body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling feature, which many parents find to be helpful for colic and reflux.

When choosing a small crib bed with cushions it is essential to verify the size of the mattress and if it will fit inside the base of the cot. You can also find out whether there are any specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when purchasing the mattress for a cot including the minimum thickness.

If you're in search of an cot that can expand with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It is a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed. This will save you the expense of buying an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.

The user-friendly configuration of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and unfolded just like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down, with no complicated mechanisms to deal with. It's also light and compact, fitting neatly into a carry bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case, and is ideal for taking it to grandparents' homes.

Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and tested range, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that absorbs the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might be a bit uncomfortable with it.

Safety

For your baby's safety, it's essential to verify that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. Check for the BS EN 716 code, Small Cot Beds or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. Make sure it's the correct size for your 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 flat and firm. If it's old, soft or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Test the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should feel firm and lie flat when you press it down on its centre.

Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able to move freely and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's important that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your crib 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 an open window or a radiator because they may become too hot or awake with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords on wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies and older children may reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a top-quality finish This cot is well worth the extra investment over other cheaper options. It's a bit laborious to put together, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap cots but it will last your child into their toddler years.

Design

It's important to remember that you're likely to invest in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. In contrast to cribs that are used only for a brief period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from the time the time when a child can easily transition into the toddler or single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's height to fit your baby's growing needs, while keeping them safe and comfy.

A useful design feature is the ability to remove the cot bars into sections. This is an excellent way to give your little one a feeling of independence once they start playing, and can aid them in getting into and out of their bed with ease. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa simply by removing the front.

Many cots have slatted designs that are perfect for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a huge difference in comfort, and could make the difference to ensure that your child gets a restful night's sleep.

A cot-sized or small bed is a great investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an attractive addition to any nursery setting. With so many options to pick from, it's always worth taking the time to explore the wide range of cots and cot beds that are available at Cuckooland to find a style that is suitable for your needs.

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