Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to concentrate on the safety and spec features when looking for a smaller bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can make a room feel bigger and less clutter-filled.

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

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still have all the safety and comfort features 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 converted into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children too.

Choose a model that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled in case you want to make space for other Baby beds items. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.

You can find a wide variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup and, therefore, whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's a bed that will meet your needs. A lot of the designs in our roundup have a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

When choosing a cot, it's important to determine the size of your nursery and check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before making your purchase. It is also important to consider the space between the bars since it should not be more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which can fit the standard 120x60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh-style frame. It's built to last, with a sturdy build with high-quality materials, and is simple to adjust as your baby grows. However, it's a much more expensive option than the other affordable cots we've reviewed and you'll need to buy a separate mattress in the event you opt for this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the most value cot, is another ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's stuffed with extra features, including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together. It includes a mattress however, you'll need another one to convert it into a toddler.

Comfort

As a parent you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the best ways to ensure they get a good night's sleep is to pick a smaller cot bed with a comfy mattress. These are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your baby will enjoy a good night's rest.

The mattress's cushioning also helps to prevent the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used to make the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's delicate skin.

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

When choosing a small cot bed with cushions, it's important to check the size of the mattress as well as whether it can be placed inside the base of the cot. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, such as the minimum thickness.

This adaptable design by Vox is a great choice for parents looking for a cot that grows with their child. It is a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed. This will save you the expense of buying a new bed for your child when they are ready.

Our panel of testers enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot collapses on itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and lightweight and can easily fit into a carry bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case and ideal for taking it to grandparents' homes.

Despite being heavier than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It's made to feel like an actual mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that carries the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's a stable, solid 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 is essential to ensure whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to convert it into a toddler's bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough space to provide a safe sleep for your baby. It should be 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. If it's old, soft or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Check the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should be firm and lie flat when you press down on its centre.

Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and other things that could be a choking risk. It's essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate during sleep. If your crib has a drop side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.

It's recommended cribs to avoid placing a cot near the sun or a radiator in case they get too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords on wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these, and older babies could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.

This cot is well worth the extra expense for those who want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. It's a bit laborious to assemble but the directions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap cot bed, but it will last your child until they reach the age of toddlers.

Design

When looking for a compact cot bed, it's crucial to keep in mind that you're purchasing an item that will last for a long time. In contrast to cribs that are used for a limited period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from birth until the time when a child can safely transition into a toddler or a single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's in height to suit your baby's development, ensuring they are safe and comfy.

Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the capability to take sections of cot bars. This will give your child the feeling of independence as they begin to crawl and will make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. To make it even more flexible Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cozy sofa by removing the front of the bed.

Many cots feature slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby has a restful night.

A cot-sized or small bed is a fantastic investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is a beautiful design element to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to pick from.

For each crib, you'll find a variety of accessories like soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This makes it simple to create a cozy and comfortable environment for your baby's to get the best quality sleep and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.