Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to get caught up in the safety and spec features when shopping for a small bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can help make your room appear bigger and less cluttered.

Stroller-style, and quite light This model is an excellent option for smaller bedrooms. It's also the easiest flatpack to assemble.

Space-saving

Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots, but they still have all the comfort and safety 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 convert to a stylish sofa bed for use with older children, too.

Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to make room for other baby items. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that incorporates the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seats into one piece of furniture.

Our list of cots for small children and cribs features a range of sizes, so there's something to fit in 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.

When selecting a cot, it's important to measure the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before you purchase. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars, as it should not be more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.

Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, that can accommodate the standard 120x60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It is constructed to last using high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also simple to adjust to your baby's growing requirements. It is more expensive than the other cots in our list and you'll need to buy a mattress separately.

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

Comfort

Pick a small cot that has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep well. These are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your Baby Cot will enjoy the rest of the night.

The mattresses are cushioned to help prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are also free of chemicals and irritants so that they won't disturb the baby's sensitive skin.

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

When choosing a small crib bed with a cushioned mattress it is essential to verify the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit into the base of the cot. Find out if the mattress has any specific rules or regulations, such as the minimum thickness.

If you're looking for an cot bed that will grow with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's a cot which converts to an infant bed. This will save you the expense of buying an additional bed for your child when they are ready.

Our panel of test participants enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap in place and the cot collapses into itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also light and compact, fitting neatly into a bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.

Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel as an actual mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that can absorb the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're in the bouncer. It's also a solid and stable choice for back and side sleepers but the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.

Safety

It's vital to make sure that the cot you select is safe for your child. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into an infant bed. You should also check that it's the correct size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide a safe sleep for your little one. It should be at least 140cm by 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. It could be an entrapment hazard when it is squishy, old, or damaged. Check the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. If you press the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.

Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and other things that could pose a choking risk. It's essential that babies move around freely and roll over as they sleep. If your cot features a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secure.

It's recommended to avoid placing a cot next to an open window or a radiator because they may get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. It is also important to 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. 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 high-quality finish, this cot is worth the cost over other cheaper options. It's a bit laborious to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not expensive however it will keep your child safe through their toddler years and will look stunning in any nursery.

Design

It is important to keep in mind that you're likely to invest in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. In contrast to cribs that are used only for a short period of time, cots offers or cot beds are suitable from the time a child is able to easily transition into a toddler or a single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure it lasts. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your child grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.

A great design feature is the capability to remove the cot bars into sections. This is a great way to give your baby a sense of independence once they begin toddle, and will help them get in and out of their bed with ease. For more flexibility the cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cozy sofa by taking the front off of the bed.

Many cots feature slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a significant difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your cheap baby cots enjoys an enjoyable sleep.

A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby's security and sleep habits. It can also be an ideal addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds for you to pick from.

There's also various accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets made of top quality bed linen, are available for each cot to complete the look. This lets you create a an inviting and cozy environment for your child, ensuring they are getting the best quality sleep possible.