Buying Small Cot Beds

When shopping for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up on the specs and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed cot can help make the space 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 smaller versions of traditional cots but still have all the safety and comfort features that your baby requires. They can be used from the time of birth or until your toddler is ready to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children as well.

To help you make the most of your space, choose the right model that will fit with your existing bedroom furniture or one that you can easily dismantle and put up again when you need to make room for other baby objects. You may also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage, or an all-purpose design that incorporates a chest of drawers, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

There's a broad range of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so no matter if you have a small nursery or a spacious playroom there's a bed that will suit your space. A lot of the designs in our roundup have an adjustable 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. The gap between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.

Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which can fit an average 120 x 60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's built to last, with a solid construction with high-quality materials, and it's simple to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. It's more expensive than the other best cots uk 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 another great option for a compact nursery. It's packed full of additional features like teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's super-easy to put together too. It includes a mattress, however, you'll need a second to convert it into a toddler.

Comfort

As a parent, you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleep environment. One of the most beneficial things you can do to ensure they get a good night's sleep is to pick a smaller crib bed with a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be more firm than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your child will get the rest of the night.

The cushioning on these mattresses helps in preventing heat retention, which may cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals so that they won't disturb your baby's sensitive skin.

These mattresses are a good option for back and side sleepers, as they offer excellent support for the head, neck and body. They can be used together with the built-in cradle of a cot, which can be useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.

It is essential to determine the size of the mattress and ensure that it fits in the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. You can also find out whether there are specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying the mattress for a cot like the minimum thickness.

If you're in search of a cot bed that can expand with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this 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 for it.

Our test panel enjoyed the cot's simple setup The mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds on itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also small and light, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents' homes.

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

Safety

It's vital to ensure that the cot you choose is safe for your child. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to transform it into a toddler's bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough room for 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 the mattress is level and Small Cot Beds firm. It can be dangerous to suffocate in the event that it is soft or old, or damaged. Check for any areas of sagging which could be hazardous and test how quickly the mattress springs back when pressing on it. If you press the middle of a good quality cot-mattress it should feel solid.

Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and other things that could pose a choke risk. It's essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If your crib has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.

It's important to avoid placing a cot close to an open window or a radiator because they may become too hot or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords on wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children might reach out to grab cot bars or even pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a top-quality finish This cot is well worth the investment over the cheaper alternatives. It's not the easiest to assemble but the directions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap cot beds but it will last your child through their toddler years.

Design

When looking for a compact cot bed, it's crucial to keep in mind that you're purchasing a long-term piece of furniture. In contrast to recommended cribs that are used only for a brief period of time, cots and beds are suitable from the time the time a child is old enough to easily transition into a toddler or kids single bed. To ensure that the crib you buy will last, search for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height as your child grows, making sure they are in a safe and comfortable position for longer.

Another design element to look for is the ability to take off sections of the cot bars. This will provide your child with an impression of independence once they begin to play and will make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. For even greater flexibility Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cozy sofa by removing the front of the bed.

Many cots come with slatted designs that are perfect for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and can help ensure that your baby gets an enjoyable sleep.

A compact cot, also known as a the cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby’s safety and sleeping habits. It's also an ideal addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds for you to pick from.

For each cot, you'll find various accessories, including soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This makes it simple to put together a cosy and welcoming environment for your baby to get the best cots for newborns sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.