Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to focus on the safety features and specifications when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed cot will make a room feel bigger 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 cots but still provide all the safety and comfort features that your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models convert into an elegant sofa bed for use with older children too.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to make space for other baby things. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that includes a changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.

There's a broad selection of sizes in our Small Cot Beds (Justpin.Date) and best rated cribs roundup, so regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there should be something to fit your space. A lot of the designs in our roundup include a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

It is essential to measure the space available in your nursery prior to purchasing a crib. You should also look at the space between the bars since this should not be more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh style frame. It is constructed to last using high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also easy to adapt to your child's growing requirements. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to buy a separate mattress if you choose this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a compact nursery, and is our choice of the most value-for-money cots. It has a lot of extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to suit the growth of your baby. It is also super easy to assemble. The mattress is included, however an additional one will be needed to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

Select a cot that is small and has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. These are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your child will have an enjoyable night's sleep.

The mattress's cushioning can also help to reduce heat retention, which can cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants and chemicals, as well as other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.

Typically, these mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for neck, head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built-in cradling feature, which parents have found to be beneficial for reflux and colic.

It is crucial to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it will fit in the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. Find out if the mattress has any specific rules or regulations, for instance a minimum thickness.

The adaptable design from Vox is a great 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 will save you the cost of buying an additional bed for your child when they are ready.

The easy-to-use setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came out of the box and unfolded just like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down, with no complicated mechanisms to handle. It's also light and compact and fits neatly into a bag smaller than a camping chair's case and ideal for taking it to grandparents' homes.

Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It is designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel like they are in the bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have a problem with it.

Safety

For your baby's safety, it is essential to ensure that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. 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 be safe. It should be 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. It can be dangerous to suffocate when it is squishy, old, or damaged. Check for any sagging areas which could be hazardous and test how the mattress will spring back after pressing it. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.

Keep the cot beds for sale free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able to move freely and roll over in their sleep, so it's essential that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop-side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

Do not put the cot next to an open radiator or a sunny window. It could become too warm or wake up with sunburn. Keep the cot away from wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other decorative items that have long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children might reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a premium finish the cot is worth the cost over other cheaper options. It's a bit time-consuming to put together but the directions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not expensive, but it will last your child into their toddler years.

Design

When looking for a compact cot bed, you need to remember that you're purchasing an item that will last for a long time. Unlike cribs which are used for a limited period of time, cots and beds are suitable from birth until a child is able to safely transition to the toddler or single bed. To ensure the cot you're buying will last, look out for a design with adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's development, ensuring they are safe and comfortable.

A great crib design feature is the ability to take out cot bars in sections. This will give your child a sense of independence when they start to toddle and will make it easier to help them get into and out of bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by removing the front.

The slatted design of many cots is a great option for small spaces, too, as it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This is a significant difference in comfort, and could make all the difference in trying to ensure your baby gets a restful night's sleep.

A cot-sized or small bed is a fantastic investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an excellent addition to any nursery setting. With so many options to pick from, it's worth the effort to look through the entire selection of cots and cots that are available at Cuckooland to find the style that is suitable for your needs.

There's also a range of accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets made of high-end bed linen are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to put together a cosy and warm environment for your baby's to get the best cots for newborns possible rest, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.