Buying Small Cot Beds

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

This model is ideal for bedrooms with small spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the security and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a stylish sofa bed for older kids.

To make the most of your space, look for the right model that will fit with your existing furniture in the bedroom, or one that you can easily dismantle and reassemble when you want to make room for other baby things. You might also want to think about a compact cot bed that has built-in storage or multi-functional designs that combine the drawers of a chest as well as a changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

There is a wide variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs beds roundup and, therefore, whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there's something to suit your space. Many of the designs in our roundup come with a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

It's important that you determine the size of your nursery cots prior to purchasing a crib. 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 mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, that can accommodate a standard 120x60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh-style frame. It's built to last with quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also simple to adapt to your baby's increasing needs. It's more expensive than other cots we've reviewed, and you will need to purchase a separate mattress.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the best 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 baby grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together too. The mattress is included, but an additional one will be required to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

As a parent you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment and one of the most beneficial ways to help them get an excellent night's rest is to choose a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are more rigid than the traditional cot mattress but are soft enough to ensure that your baby gets a good night's sleep.

The mattress's cushioning can also help to reduce the retention of heat, which could cause discomfort for 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.

Typically, these types of mattresses are also a good choice for side and back sleepers since they provide excellent support for the neck, head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling, which parents have found to be beneficial for colic and reflux.

When choosing a small cot bed with cushions it is essential to verify the dimensions of the mattress as well as whether it will fit inside the cot's base. You can also find out whether there are specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying the mattress for a cot including the minimum thickness.

The adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents who are looking for a cot that grows with their child. It starts out as a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, saving you from the expense of buying a new bed when your baby is ready for it.

Our panel of test participants loved this cot's easy setup The mom tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds up without any complicated mechanisms to work with. It's also small and lightweight, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot to grandparents home.

Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It's made to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that carries weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's a solid, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might have a problem with it.

Safety

It is essential to ensure that the cot you pick is safe for your child. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into an infant bed. You should also check that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide a safe sleep for your little one. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is firm and lies flat in the cot. It can be dangerous to suffocate in the event that it is soft, old, or damaged. Examine for any areas of sagging that could pose a danger and test how quickly the mattress will spring back after pressing it. A high-quality cot mattress should feel firm and flat when you press it down on the centre of it.

Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and anything else that could pose a choking risk. Babies must be able to move freely and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's important that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot has a drop-side, check it often to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.

Do not place a cot next to the heat source or a bright window. It is possible that they will become too warm or awake with sunburn. It is also important to keep your cot away from wall mounted curtain cords as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. These cords can strangle babies, and older children could reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a premium finish, this sale cot is worth the extra investment over cheaper alternatives. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap but it'll last your child right into their toddler years and look stunning in any nursery.

Design

When you're looking for a small cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're likely purchasing something that will last for years. 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're able to safely transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress's height as your child grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.

Another useful design feature to look for is the ability to take off sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to give your baby a sense of independence once they begin playing, and can assist them in and out of their bed quickly. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by removing the front.

The slatted design of a lot of cots is a great option for small spaces, too, as it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby has an enjoyable sleep.

A small cot or cot bed is a fantastic investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is a beautiful addition to any nursery setting. With so many styles to pick from, it's always worth the effort to look through the entire selection of cots and beds that are available at Cuckooland to find a style that is suitable for your needs.

You'll also find that a range of accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets with top quality bed linen, are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This allows you to create an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby, ensuring they get the best rest possible.