Buying Small Cot Beds

When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features, but take into account the aesthetics too. A well-designed cot will make a room feel bigger and less cluttered.

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight, this model is a good choice for smaller bedrooms. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still provide all the security and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models convert to an elegant sofa bed for use with older children as well.

Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to store other baby things. You might also want to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines a chest of drawers with a changing table and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

Our list of cots for small children and cribs has a range of sizes, so there is something for every space. A majority of the designs on our list come with a fitted mattress, which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

When you are choosing a cot it is important to take measurements of the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before making your purchase. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and comes with an elegant sleigh-style frame. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also easy to adjust to your baby's growing needs. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed and you'll have to buy a separate mattress when you pick this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the most value-for-money cot. It has a lot of extra features, including teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to suit the growth of your baby. It's also easy to assemble. It comes with a mattress, but you'll need to buy a second to convert it into a toddler.

Comfort

Select a cot that is small and has an easy mattress. This will help your baby sleep comfortably. These mattresses are more rigid than standard cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure your baby gets a good night sleep.

The cushioning of these mattresses helps in preventing heat retention, which may cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used to make the mattress are 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 great support for cheap baby cots neck and head as well as body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built-in cradling system, which parents have found to be helpful for colic and reflux.

It is essential to determine the mattress size and ensure that it fits in the base of the cot prior buying a cot that is small. Find out if the mattress has any specific rules or regulations, for instance the minimum thickness.

The adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who are looking for an cot that can grow with their child. It's a cot that converts to a toddler bed. This will save you the cost of buying an additional bed for your child once they are ready.

The simple configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came out of the box and was unfolded like the back of a camping 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 light, fitting into a carry case that is larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot to grandparents' homes.

Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if 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 meet. Check 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 correct size for your nursery and offers enough space for a secure sleep for your little one. It should be 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure that the mattress is firm and cheap baby cots laid flat inside the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Check the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress it should feel firm.

Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and other items that could pose a choking hazard. It is essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate during sleep. If your cot has drop-sides, be sure to check them frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secure.

It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot next to the sun or a radiator because they may become too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. You should also keep the cot clear of cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. These cords can strangle babies, and older children could reach out to grab cot bars or even pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a top-quality finish, this cot is worth the extra investment over cheaper alternatives. It's not the easiest to assemble, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not Cheap Baby Cots, but it will last your child into their toddler years.

Design

It is important to remember that you're likely to invest in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a small bed. Unlike cribs which are used only for a short period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from the time the time when a child can safely transition to the toddler or single bed. To ensure that the cot you purchase will last, search for a model with adjustable base heights. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height as your baby grows, ensuring they stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.

One of the most useful features of the design is the ability to take out the cot bars into sections. This is a great way to give your little one a feeling of independence once they begin walking around, and can help them get in and out of their bed quickly. Some crib sets beds, 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 infant. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby enjoys an enjoyable sleep.

A compact cot, also known as a cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby’s security and sleep habits. It's also a lovely addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds to choose from.

For each cot, you'll find a variety of accessories like soft duvets and premium bed linen. This allows you to create an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby, making sure they have the best sleep possible.