Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to get caught up in the safety features and specifications when you're looking for a compact bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can make the space appear larger and less cluttered.

Stroller-style, and quite light This model is a good choice for smaller bedrooms. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional affordable cots but still offer all the security and comfort features your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models can be transformed into a stylish couch bed to use with older children.

Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and reassembled when you need to make room for other baby things. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.

There's a broad variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's a bed that will fit your space. A lot of the designs in our roundup include a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

It's important that you take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to buying a cot. The distance between the bars should not be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.

Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which can fit the standard 120x60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's built to last with quality materials and a sturdy structure. It is also easy to adapt to your child's growing needs. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other cots on our list and you'll have to buy a separate mattress when you pick this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is another great option for a compact nursery. It has a lot of extra features that include teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. It is also super easy to assemble. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy another one to convert it into a toddler.

Comfort

Choose a small cot with an easy mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. These mattresses are firmer than the traditional cot mattress however they are soft enough to ensure that your child gets a good night sleep.

The cushioning of these mattresses helps in preventing heat retention, which may cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used to make the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals to ensure that they don't irritate the baby's sensitive skin.

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

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

The adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It is initially an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to buy another bed when your baby is ready for it.

Our panel of testers enjoyed the cot's simple setup The 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 without a complicated mechanism to deal with. It is also compact and light, fitting in the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents' homes.

Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's made to feel like an actual mattress and has plenty of padding and a springy base that carries the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's also a solid, stable option for both back and side sleepers, but the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.

Safety

It is crucial to make sure that the cot bed you select is safe for your child. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to transform it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is appropriate for the nursery and has enough space for your child to sleep safely. It should be 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure that the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. If it's old, soft or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Check for any areas of sagging that could pose a danger and then test how the mattress springs back after pressing down on it. When you press on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it will feel firm.

Keep the cot free of any toys, stickers, and anything else which could cause choking. It is essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If your cot has a drop side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

Do not place a cot next to an open radiator or a window that is sunny. It could become too hot or awake with sunburn. Also, keep the cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, and older children could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.

This cot is well worth the extra cost if you want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. It's a bit laborious to put together however the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not expensive, but it will last your child through their toddler years.

Design

It is important to keep in mind that you are likely investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized for a limited period of time, cots and beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to safely transition into a toddler or a single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable base height to ensure that it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your child grows, making sure they are secure and comfortable for a longer time.

A great design feature is the ability to remove cot bars in sections. This is a great way to give your child a sense of independence once they begin playing, and can aid them in getting into and out of their bed easily. 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 perfect for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This makes a large difference when it comes to comfort, and could make the difference to ensure your baby gets an adequate night's rest.

A small cot or bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an excellent accessory to any nursery. With so many styles to choose from, it's worth taking the time to look through the entire selection of cots and cot beds available at Cuckooland to find one that suits you.

You'll also find that an array of accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and top quality bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to put together a cosy and warm environment for your baby to get the best cot beds possible rest and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.