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 the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and Cot beds (try these guys out) less clutter-filled.

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight, this model is a great option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the simplest flatpack to assemble.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still have all the safety and comfort features your Baby Cot Bed deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed for use with older children too.

Find a product that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled in the event that you need to make room for other baby things. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multifunctional design that combines the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

You can find a wide variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there's something to fit your space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup include a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

When you are choosing a cot it is important to take measurements of the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to make sure it will fit before you purchase. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars, as it should not be greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which takes a standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and comes with a beautiful sleigh-style frame. It is built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your child's growing requirements. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately when you pick this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is another ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's packed full of extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together too. The mattress is included, however another one is required to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

Select a cot that is small and has a comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. 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 helps in preventing heat retention, which may cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure they don't cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin.

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

It is important to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior to buying a cot that is small. Find out if the cot mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, for instance a minimum thickness.

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

Our test panel enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds up, with no complicated mechanisms to work with. It's also compact and light, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents' homes.

This cot is extremely comfy despite its size being higher than the other models in our tried and tested range. It is designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding, and a springy bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if they are in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy and stable choice for back and side sleepers, however senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle 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. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into a toddler bed. Make sure it's appropriate for the nursery and has enough space for your child to be safe. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is level and firm. If it's old, soft or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Examine the mattress to determine whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. 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. Babies should be able move freely and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's essential that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop-side, inspect it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.

Avoid placing your cot near an open radiator or a sunny window. They could get too hot or wake up with sunburn. It is also important to keep the cot clear of wall mounted curtain cords, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these, and older children may get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.

This cot is worth the extra cost if you want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood is solid. It takes a while to put together. It's not expensive however it will keep your child safe through their toddler years and will look fantastic in any nursery.

Design

When shopping for a small cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're likely purchasing a long-term piece of furniture. In contrast to cribs, which are used only for a short period of time, cots are suitable from the time a child is born until they are able to safely move to the toddler bed or single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure that it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height as your baby grows, ensuring they stay safe and comfortable for longer.

Another important feature to keep an eye for is the ability to remove sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to give your child a sense of independence when they begin to walking around, and Small Cot Beds can help them get in and out of their bed with ease. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by removing the front.

Many cots have slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This is a significant difference in comfort and can make all the difference when trying to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.

A compact cot, also known as a the cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby’s safety and sleeping habits. It can also be an excellent addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to pick from.

You'll also find that various accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets with high-end bed linen are available for each cot to complete the look. This makes it simple to create a warm and comfortable environment for your baby's to get the best sleep possible and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.