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 take into account the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can help make smaller rooms appear larger and less clutter-filled.

This model is ideal for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the easiest flatpack to put together.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still offer all the safety and comfort features that your baby deserves. They are suitable from birth or until your toddler is ready to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be turned into a chic couch bed to use with older children.

To help you make the most of your space, look for the right model that will fit with your existing furniture in the bedroom, or one that you can easily take apart and reassemble if you want to put in other baby things. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that combines the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.

You can find a wide range of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup and, therefore, regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there's a bed that will suit your space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup have a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

It is crucial to take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to buying a cot. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars as this should not be greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, that can accommodate a standard 120x60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It's designed to last, with a solid construction with high-quality materials, and is simple to adjust as your baby grows. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately if you choose this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the best cots for newborns value cot, is a excellent option for a small nursery. It's loaded with extra features that include teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to suit the baby's development. It is also super easy to assemble. The mattress is included, however a second one will be required to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

Choose a small cot with an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. They are more firm than traditional cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night sleep.

They are cushioned to prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens, chemicals and other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.

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

It is essential to determine the mattress size and ensure that it fits in the base of the cot prior buying a cot that is small. It is also possible to determine whether there are specific rules and regulations to follow when purchasing a cot mattress like the minimum thickness.

If you're looking for an cot that can adapt to your child's needs take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's a cot that converts to a toddler bed. This saves you the expense of buying an additional bed for your child when they are ready.

Our panel of testers was impressed by the simple setup of this cot, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot collapses over itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that is larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents' homes.

This cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than other models from our tried-and-tested line-up. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding, and a springy bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy and stable choice for side and back sleepers, but the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your Baby Cot Bed it is essential to ensure that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to transform it into a toddler's bed. Also, make sure it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough room for a safe sleeping environment for your child. 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 level and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Examine for any sagging areas which could be hazardous and test how quickly the mattress springs back after pressing it. A good quality mattress for cots should be firm and flat when you press down on the centre of it.

Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able to move around easily and roll throughout their sleep, which is why it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure you check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secured.

Do not place your cot near an open radiator or a window that is sunny. They could get too hot or awake with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords on wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Babies can be strangled by these cords, and older children could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.

This cot is definitely worth the extra money if you want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood is sturdy. It takes a while to put together. It's not cheap, but it'll keep your child safe through their toddler years and look stunning in any nursery.

Design

When looking for a compact cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're likely investing in something that will last for years. In contrast to cribs, which are only used for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the time a child is born until they can safely move to an adult bed or a single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure that it will last. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's in height to suit your baby's development, ensuring they are safe and comfortable.

A great design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This is a great way to give your baby a sense of independence when they begin to toddle, and will assist them in and out of their bed with ease. For even greater flexibility the cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cozy sofa by removing the front of the bed.

The slatted style of many cots is a great option for a small space, too, as it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby has a good sleep.

A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby’s safety and sleeping habits. It's also a lovely addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds for you to pick from.

You'll also find that a range of accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets with premium bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to put together a cosy and comfortable environment for your baby to get the best sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.