Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to concentrate on the safety and spec features when you're looking for a compact bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less clutter-filled.

Stroller-style, and quite light, this model is an excellent option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the simplest flatpack to put together.

Space-saving

Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots, however they still provide all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a stylish couch bed for older kids.

To help you maximize your space, choose the right model that will fit with your existing bedroom furniture or one that can easily disassemble and reassemble when you need to make room for other baby items. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seat in one piece of furniture.

There's a broad variety of sizes in our small cot beds and Cot beds cribs roundup and, therefore, Cot beds whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there's something to fit your space. A lot of the cribs on our list come with a fitted mattress that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.

When choosing a cot, it is essential to determine the size of your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before making your purchase. You should also look at the space between the bars since it should not be greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which can fit the standard 120x60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It is built to last with quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also easy to adjust to your baby's changing needs. However, it's a more expensive option than some of the other cots on our list, and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately 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 stuffed with additional features like teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together too. The mattress is included, however another one is required to help with the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Pick a small cot that has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.

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

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

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

If you're looking for an cot bed that will expand with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It is initially a cot but can later be transformed into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to buy an entirely new bed once your child is ready for it.

Our panel of testers was impressed by the simple setup of this cot and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap in place, and the cot folds into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and light, fitting into a carry case that is larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this best cot beds to grandparents home.

The cot is extremely comfortable despite being bigger than the other models in our tried and tested line-up. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your baby, it's essential to verify that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to transform it into a toddler's bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the right size for your nursery and has enough space for a secure sleep for your baby. It should be 140cm x 70cm, and not have any gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. It could pose a suffocation hazard if it is soft or old, or damaged. Examine for any areas of sagging that could pose a danger and then test how quickly the mattress will spring back after pressing it. A good quality mattress for cots should be firm and lie flat when you press down on the middle of it.

Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choking risk. Babies must be able to move freely and roll over during their sleep, so it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

It's important to avoid placing a cot next to the sun or a radiator in case they get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Keep the cot far away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies and older children might reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a high-quality finish, this cot is worth the extra investment over cheaper alternatives. The instructions are clear and the wood is solid. It takes time to put together. It's not cheap baby cots, but it will last until they reach the age of toddlers.

Design

When looking for a compact cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're likely purchasing something that will last for years. Contrary to cribs that are only used for a short period of time, cots are suitable from the time a child is born until they're able to safely move to a toddler bed or kids single bed. To ensure that the cot you're buying will last, look out for a design with adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height to fit your baby's development, ensuring they are secure and comfortable.

Another important feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. This will give your child the feeling of independence as they begin to crawl and make it easier to help them get into and out of the bed. For even greater flexibility, some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cozy sofa by taking off the front of the bed.

Many cots come with slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This makes a large difference when it comes to comfort and can make the difference to ensure your baby gets a good night's sleep.

A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby’s security and sleeping habits. It can also be an ideal addition to any nursery. With so many designs available to pick from, it's worth taking the time to explore the wide range of cots and cot beds available at Cuckooland to find the style that suits you.

For each cot, you'll find an array of accessories like soft duvets, plus premium bed linen. This will allow you to create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby, ensuring they have the best rated cribs sleep possible.