Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to get caught up in the safety and features when you're looking for a compact bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help make a small room appear larger and less cluttered.

This model is perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's also the easiest flatpack to assemble.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still offer all the security and comfort features your baby needs. They are suitable from birth or until your toddler is able to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert to an elegant sofa bed for use with older children as well.

Choose a model that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled when you need to make room for other baby items. You may also want to consider a compact cot bed that has built-in storage or multi-functional designs that combine the drawers of a chest with a changing table and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

There's a broad 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 something to suit your space. Many of the designs on our list come with mattresses that are fitted that helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

It is essential to determine the size of your nursery prior to buying a cot. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars as this needs to be no greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, that can accommodate an average 120 x 60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It's designed to last, with a solid construction and quality materials, and is easy to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. It is more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the best value cot, is a great option for a compact nursery. It comes with a variety of extra features, including teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your Baby beds. It's also easy to assemble. It includes a mattress, however, you'll need an additional one to convert it into a toddler.

Comfort

Pick a small cot that has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep comfortably. These are designed to be more firm than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your child will have an enjoyable night's sleep.

The mattress's cushioning helps in preventing heat retention, which may cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants, chemicals and other substances that could cause irritation to your baby's skin.

Typically, these kinds of mattresses are a great choice for side and back sleepers since they provide excellent support for neck, head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built in cradling, which parents have found to be beneficial for reflux and colic.

When choosing a small cot bed with cushions it is essential to verify the size of the mattress and whether it can be placed inside the base of the cot. Find out if the mattress has any particular rules or regulations, such as a minimum thickness.

This adaptable design by Vox is a great crib option for parents who are looking for a cot that grows with their child. It is a cot that converts to a toddler bed. This can save you the expense of purchasing an additional bed for your child when they are ready.

Our panel of test participants loved this cot's easy setup The mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds into itself without a complicated mechanism to work with. It's also small and light, fitting in a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents at their homes.

This cot is extremely comfy despite its size being higher than other models in our tried and tested line-up. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that carries weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around 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 might struggle with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your baby it's important to check whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to comply with. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to convert it into a toddler's bed. Also, make sure it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough space to provide a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure 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. When you press down on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it should feel solid.

Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and other items that could pose a choking risk. It is essential that babies move freely and turn over during sleep. If your cot features a drop-side, check it regularly to make sure the mechanism is secure.

It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot close to a radiator or sunny window in case they become too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Also, keep the cot clear of cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children might reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.

This cot is well worth the extra money if you want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to put together however the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap, but it will last your child into their toddler years.

Design

It's important to consider that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. In contrast to cribs that are used for a limited period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from birth until a child is able to safely transition into a toddler or kids single bed. To ensure the cot you buy will last, look for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height to accommodate your child's development, ensuring they are secure and comfortable.

A useful design feature is the ability to take out cot bars in sections. This will provide your child with an impression of independence once they begin to crawl and will make it easier for them to get into and out of bed. To make it even more flexible, some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a comfortable sofa by taking off the front of the bed.

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

A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby’s security and sleeping habits. It can also be an excellent 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, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This makes it simple to put together a cosy and warm environment for your baby's to get the best infant cribs sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.