Buying Small Cot Beds

When looking for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can make the small space appear bigger and less cluttered.

Stroller-style, and quite light, this model is an excellent option for smaller bedrooms. It's also the simplest flatpack to put together.

Space-saving

Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots however, they still offer all the comfort and safety features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a stylish sofa bed for use with older children as well.

Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to store other baby items. You may also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage or an all-purpose design that incorporates the drawers of a chest as well as a changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.

You can find a wide selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup and, therefore, no matter if you have a small nursery or a spacious playroom there's a bed that will fit your space. A lot of the cribs on our list come with a fitted mattress which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

When choosing a cot, it's important to take measurements of the space in your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it will fit before making your purchase. You should also look at the gap between the bars as this needs to be no greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's built to last, with a solid construction and high-quality materials, and it's easy to adjust as your child grows. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to purchase a mattress when you pick this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the most value-for-money cot. It's stuffed with extra features, including 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. The mattress is included, but an additional one will be needed to help with the toddler conversion.

Comfort

As a parent you want your child to have an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment. One of the best ways to ensure they get an adequate night's sleep is to choose a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be firmer than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your baby will enjoy an enjoyable night's sleep.

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

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

If you are considering a Mini Cot Bed bed with a cushioned mattress it is essential to verify the size of the mattress and if it will fit inside the base of the cot. You should also determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying a cot mattress, such as the minimum thickness.

If you're in search of an cot that can grow with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It is a cot that can be converted into an infant bed. This can save you the cost of buying an additional bed for your child when they are ready.

The user-friendly configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came from the box and was unfolded like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot then collapses on itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also compact and lightweight and fits neatly into a bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case. It's ideal for taking it to the grandparents' homes.

Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding, and a springy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel as if they are in the bouncer. It's also a sturdy stable and safe option 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 ensure that the cot bed you pick is safe for your child. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to transform it into a toddler's bed. Verify that it's the correct size for your nursery and provides enough space for your child to sleep safely. 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. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Test the mattress to see if it springs back quickly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should feel firm and flat when you press down on the centre of it.

Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and other items that could be a danger to choking. It's essential that babies move freely and turn over while they sleep. If your cot has a drop side check it frequently to ensure the mechanism locks securely.

Do not place a cot next to a radiator or a bright window. It is possible that they will become too warm or awake with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these, and older children could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.

This cot is worth the extra expense If you're looking for an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. The instructions are clear, and the wood feels solid. It takes some time to assemble. It's not cheap, but it'll last your child right into their toddler years and will look fantastic in any nursery.

Design

It's important to remember that you're likely to invest 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 or cot beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to easily transition into a toddler or a single bed. To ensure that the cot you're buying will last, look out for a model that has adjustable base heights. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's height to fit your baby's growing needs, while keeping them secure and comfortable.

A great crib design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This is an excellent way to provide your child a sense of independence once they start playing, and can aid them in getting into and out of their bed with ease. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by taking out the front.

Many cots come with slatted designs which are ideal for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and can help ensure that your baby has a restful night.

A small cot or cot bed is a fantastic investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an excellent design element to any nursery. With so many styles to pick from, it's always worth the effort to browse the full selection of cots and cots available at Cuckooland to find one that suits you.

There's also an array of accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets with top quality bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This lets you create a an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby, making sure they have the best sleep possible.