Buying Small Cot Beds

When you are looking for a compact cot bed It's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can help make a small room appear larger and less cluttered.

This model is ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

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

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt when you need to make room for other baby items. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that incorporates the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and benches into one piece of furniture.

Our roundup of small cots and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there is something to suit every space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup come with a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.

It is crucial to measure the space available in your nursery prior to purchasing a cot. The distance between the bars should not be more than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot that can accommodate an average 120 x 60cm mattress, and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last, with a sturdy construction and quality materials, and it's simple to adjust as your baby grows. It is more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you will need to purchase a separate mattress.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the Best Baby cots value cot, is another ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's packed full of 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 too. The mattress is included, but an additional one will be needed to help with the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Choose a small cot with a comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. They are designed to be firmer than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough that your baby will enjoy an enjoyable night's sleep.

The cushioning of these mattresses can also help to reduce the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are also free of irritants and chemical to ensure they don't cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin.

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

When choosing a small crib bed with cushions it is important to determine the dimensions of the mattress as well as whether it will fit into the base of the cot. You should also determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations you need to follow when purchasing mattresses for cots like the minimum thickness.

If you're in search of an cot that can expand with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, saving you from having to purchase an entirely new bed once your baby is ready to use it.

The user-friendly setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and unfolded just like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap in place, and the cot folds on itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It is also compact and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that is larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot from grandparents home.

Despite being larger than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy, stable option for both side and back sleepers, but the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.

Safety

It is crucial to make sure that the cot you choose is safe for your child. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into an infant bed. Make sure it's the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should be 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Look for any sagging areas that could pose a danger and then test how the mattress will spring back after pressing it. A good quality cot mattress should feel firm and lie flat when you press down on its centre.

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

It's recommended to avoid placing a cot near the sun or a radiator, as they could become too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Keep the cot far away from wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and decorative accessories that have long cords. The cords could strangle infants, and older children could reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a premium finish This cot is well worth the investment over other cheaper options. The instructions are clear, and the wood feels sturdy. It takes a while to assemble. It's not expensive, 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 investing in a long-term piece of furniture. In contrast to cribs, which are used only for a short period of time, cots are appropriate from the moment a baby is born until they are able to easily transition to an adult bed or a single bed. To ensure that the cot you're buying will last, look out for a model with adjustable base heights. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's in height as your child grows, ensuring they stay in a safe and comfortable position for longer.

A useful design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This will give your child the feeling of independence as they begin to play and make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. For more flexibility, some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by removing the front of the bed.

Many cots have slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate tots and cots regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a huge difference when it comes to comfort and can make the difference to ensure that your baby has a restful night's sleep.

A small cot or bed is an excellent investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is a beautiful accessory to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of online cots and beds for you to pick from.

For each cot, there's various accessories, including soft duvets and high-end bedding. This makes it simple to create a cozy and welcoming environment for your baby to enjoy the best crib for newborn possible rest and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.