Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to focus on the safety and spec features when shopping for a small bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can make the space appear larger and less clutter-filled.

Stroller-style and extremely light, this model is a great option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots, however they still provide all the comfort and safety features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready for an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be transformed into a stylish sofa bed for older kids.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled, then reassembled in case you want to make room for other baby items. It is also possible to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage or an all-purpose design that incorporates an armoire, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

There is a wide selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup and, therefore, regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there should be something to meet your needs. Many of the designs on our list have a fitted mattress, which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.

When you are choosing a cot it is essential to determine the size of your nursery and verify the dimensions to make sure it's suitable before you purchase. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars, as this needs to be no more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has stunning sleigh-style frames. It's built to last, with a solid construction and high-quality materials, and it's easy to adjust as your baby grows. It is more expensive than the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to purchase a separate mattress.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the best 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 child grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together too. The mattress is included, but another one will be needed to accommodate the toddler transition.

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 help them get a good night's sleep is to pick a smaller crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure your child gets a good night's rest.

The cushioning on these mattresses also helps to prevent the retention of heat, which could 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 the skin of your baby's.

Typically, these kinds of mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized together with the built-in cradle that comes with the cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.

When selecting a mattress cot bed that has a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the dimensions of the mattress and if it can be placed inside the base of the cot. You should also determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations to follow when purchasing mattresses for affordable cots, such as the minimum thickness.

This adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents looking for a cot that grows with their child. It's initially a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, saving you from the expense of buying another bed when your baby is ready for it.

The simple configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and folded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds into itself without any complicated mechanisms to deal with. It's also small 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.

This cot sets is extremely comfy despite its size being higher than other models from our tried-and-tested collection. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's also a sturdy, stable option for both back and side sleepers, however the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.

Safety

It's vital to make sure that the cot bed you select is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into an infant bed. Make sure it's the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is firm and lies flat inside the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Test the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. If you press the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it should feel solid.

Keep the cot clear of toys, smudges and other items that could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able move around easily and roll during their sleep, so it's also important that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot has drop-sides, be sure to check them often to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.

It's important to avoid placing a cot close to the sun or a radiator in case they become too hot or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other decorative items that have long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies and older children may reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a top-quality finish the cot is worth the extra investment over cheaper alternatives. It's a bit laborious to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not expensive, but it'll keep your child safe through their toddler years and will look fantastic in any nursery.

Design

It is important to keep in mind that you'll be investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. Contrary to cribs that are used only for a short time, cots are suitable from the moment a child is born until they can easily transition to the toddler bed or single bed. To ensure the cot you're buying will last, search for a model with adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you lower the mattress height as your baby grows, making sure they are in a safe and comfortable position for longer.

One of the most useful features of the design is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This will provide your child with a sense of independence when they begin to crawl and will make it easier to help them get into and out of bed. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by removing the front.

The slatted design of a lot of cribs is a good option for a small space, too, as it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference when it comes to comfort, and can make all the difference in trying to ensure that your child gets an adequate night's rest.

A small cot or bed is a great investment for your baby's sleep habits and safety, and can be an attractive design element to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds to choose from.

You'll also find that a range of accessories, including baby bumpers, soft duvets, and Small Cot Beds top quality bed linen, are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This allows you to create an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby cots online, ensuring they have the best cot newborn sleep possible.