Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to concentrate on the safety and spec features 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 less cluttered.

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight This model is a great option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots, however, they still offer 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 can be turned into a stylish couch bed for older children.

Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to store other baby things. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that includes a changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.

There is a wide range of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup and, therefore, no matter if you have a small nursery or a large playroom, there's something to meet your needs. Many of the designs in our roundup have a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

It's important that you measure the space available in your nursery prior to purchasing a crib. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars, as this should not be greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has stunning sleigh-style frames. It is built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also simple to adapt to your child's increasing needs. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll have to purchase a mattress in the event you opt for 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 has a lot of extra features, including teething rails. There are also two height positions that can be adjusted to suit your baby's growth. It's also easy to assemble. It includes a mattress however, you'll need an additional one to convert it into a toddler.

Comfort

Select a cot that is small and has a comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep well. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night's sleep.

They are cushioned to prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of irritants and chemical so that they won't disturb the baby's sensitive skin.

These mattresses are a good option for back and side sleepers, since they provide excellent support for neck, head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built-in cradling feature, which many parents find to be helpful for colic and reflux.

If you are considering a crib bed with cushions it is essential to verify the dimensions of the mattress as well as whether it will fit into the base of the cot. Find out if the cot mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, like the minimum thickness.

If you're in search of a cot bed that can grow with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially a cot and then converts into an infant bed, saving you from the expense of buying a new bed when your child is ready for it.

Our panel of test participants loved this cot's easy setup and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down, with no complicated mechanisms to deal with. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting the cot to grandparents home.

Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and tested range, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress and has plenty of padding and a bouncy base that carries the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could be a bit uncomfortable with it.

Safety

For your Baby Cot Bed's safety, it is essential to ensure whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to comply with. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into an infant bed. Also, make sure it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough room for a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should be 140cm x 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Look for any sagging areas which could be hazardous and then test how quickly the mattress springs back when pressing on it. A good quality cot mattress should feel firm and flat when you press it down on its centre.

Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choking hazard. Babies should be able to move freely and roll over in their sleep, so it's important 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 that the mechanism locks securely.

It's recommended cribs to avoid placing a cot close to a radiator or sunny window, as they could get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Also, keep the cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, while older babies could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.

For Scandi style and a premium finish the cot is worth the extra investment over other cheaper options. It's not the easiest to put together, but the instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not expensive but it'll last until their toddler years and look fantastic in any nursery.

Design

It's important to remember that you're likely to invest in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. In contrast to cribs that are used only for a brief period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from the time the time a child is old enough to safely transition to the toddler or single bed. To ensure the cot you buy will last, look out for a model that has adjustable base heights. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's in height as your child grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.

A useful design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This will provide your child with a sense of independence when they begin to crawl and make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by removing the front.

Many cots come with slatted designs that are ideal for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a huge 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 bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby’s security and sleeping habits. It's also a lovely addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds to choose from.

For each cot, you'll find a variety of accessories like soft duvets and high-end bed linen. This will allow you to create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they have the best crib for newborn sleep possible.