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 about the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can make the small space appear bigger and less cluttered.

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight This model is a great option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots however they still provide all the safety and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used from the time of birth or until your toddler is ready to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children too.

To maximize your space, choose the right model that will fit with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that you can easily take apart and reassemble when you need to put in other baby items. You may also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage, or multi-functional designs that combine an armoire as well as a changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

There's a broad variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that no matter if you have a small nursery or a huge playroom there's a bed that will fit your space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup come with an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.

It is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to buying a cot. The distance between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and has a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. It is also easy to adapt to your child's growing requirements. However, it's a more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately when you pick this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the most value cot, is a ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's stuffed with extra features including teething rails as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together. It includes a mattress, but you'll need to buy a second for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Select a cot that is small and [empty] has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest.

The cushioning of these mattresses also helps to prevent heat retention, which can cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are also free of chemicals and irritants to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's sensitive skin.

Typically, these kinds of mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers as they provide good support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be used together with the built-in cradle in a cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.

If you are considering a cot bed with a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit inside the cot's base. Find out if the mattress has any specific rules or regulations, for instance 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 is a cot that transforms into a toddler bed. This can save you the expense of purchasing a new bed for your child when they are ready.

The easy-to-use configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came out of the box and folded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds into itself without a complicated mechanism to work with. It is also compact and light, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents at their homes.

This cot is extremely comfy, despite being larger than other models from our tried-and-tested collection. It's designed to feel as a mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs weight without making your baby feel like they're in a bouncer. It's also a solid, stable option for both side and back sleepers, though the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.

Safety

For your baby's safety, it's essential to verify that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. Verify that it's appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to rest comfortably. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Examine for any areas of sagging which could be hazardous, and test to see how quickly the mattress will spring back after pressing down on it. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it should feel firm.

Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choking danger. It's essential that babies move freely and turn over during sleep. If your cot has a drop side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.

Avoid placing a cot next to an open radiator or a window that is sunny. It is possible that they will become too hot or wake up with sunburn. You should also keep your cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall 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 bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.

This cot is worth the extra cost for those who want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. It's not the easiest to assemble, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not expensive, but it will last through their toddler years.

Design

When shopping for a small cot bed, it's important to keep in mind that you're purchasing something that will last for years. In contrast to cribs that are used only for a brief period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from birth until a child is able to safely transition into the toddler or single bed. To ensure that the cot you're buying will last, look out for a model that has adjustable base heights. This feature allows you lower the mattress in height to suit your baby's development, ensuring they are safe and comfortable.

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

The slatted design of a lot of cribs beds is a good option for a small space, too, as it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This makes a large difference when it comes to comfort, and can make all the difference in trying to ensure your baby gets an adequate night's rest.

A small cot, or the cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby’s security and sleep habits. It can also be an ideal addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of beds and cots to pick from.

You'll also find that various accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets made of top quality bed linen, are available for every best crib to make it look more complete. This will allow you to create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your child, ensuring they get the best cot bed rest possible.