Buying Small Cot Beds

When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but take into account the aesthetic too. A well-designed bed can make the small space appear bigger and less clutter-filled.

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight This model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still provide all the security and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used from the time of birth or until your toddler is able to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a chic couch bed to use with older kids.

Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to store other baby items. You might also want to consider a compact cot bed that has built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines a chest of drawers with a changing table and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.

There's a broad variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there's a bed that will fit your space. A majority of the designs on our list have mattresses that are fitted that helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.

It is essential to determine the size of your nursery before purchasing a cot. The gap between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and has a beautiful sleigh style frame. It is built to last with quality materials and a sturdy structure. It's also simple to adjust to your baby's growing requirements. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately if you choose this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a small nursery, and it's our pick of the best cot beds value cot. It comes with a variety of extra features such as teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to suit the growth of your baby. It's also easy to put together. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy another one for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

As a parent you want your baby to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial options to ensure they get a good night's sleep is to choose a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. These are designed to be firmer than traditional cot mattresses but are still soft enough so that your child will have an enjoyable night's sleep.

These mattresses are cushioned to prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used on the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's delicate skin.

These mattresses are a good option for back and side sleepers as they provide adequate support for the head, neck and body. They can also be used with the cot's built in cradling feature, which many parents find to be helpful in cases of colic and reflux.

If you are considering a mattress cot bed that has a cushioned mattress, it's important to check the dimensions of the mattress and if it can be placed inside the base of the cot. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, such as a minimum thickness.

If you're in search of an cot that can expand with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It is a cot that converts to an infant bed. This saves you the expense of purchasing a new bed for your child once they are ready.

Our panel of testers enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds into itself without any complicated mechanisms to work with. It's also lightweight and compact and fits neatly into a bag smaller than a camping chair's case and ideal for taking it to grandparents' houses.

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

Safety

It's vital to make sure that the cot you select is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into an infant bed. Verify that it's the correct size for your nursery and provides enough space for your child to sleep safely. It should measure 140cm by 70cm, and not have any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Examine for any sagging areas which could be hazardous and then test how the mattress springs back when pressing on it. If you press the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it should feel firm.

Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and anything else that could pose a choking risk. Babies should be able to move easily and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's important that the cot does not have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot has a drop side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

It's important to avoid placing a cot next to a radiator or sunny window because they may become too hot or wake up with a sunburn. You should also keep the cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. These cords can strangle babies, and older children could reach out to grab cot bars or pull themselves up.

This cot is definitely worth the extra expense for those who want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It takes a while to assemble. It's not cheap but it'll keep your child safe through their toddler years and look fantastic in any nursery.

Design

It's important to keep in mind that you're likely to invest in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. Contrary to cribs that are only used for a brief period of time, affordable cots are suitable from the moment a baby is born until they can safely transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. To ensure that the cot you purchase will last, look for a model that has adjustable base heights. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's height to accommodate your child's growing needs, while keeping them safe and comfortable.

A useful design feature is the ability to take out the cot bars into sections. This will give your child an impression of independence once they start to toddle and will make it easier to help them get into and out of the 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 an excellent choice for a small space, in addition, it assists air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a significant difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby gets a restful night.

A compact cot, also known as a the cot-bed, is an excellent investment in your baby's security and sleep habits. It's also a lovely addition to any nursery. With so many designs available to choose from, it's always worth taking the time to look through the entire selection of affordable cots and beds on offer at Cuckooland to find one that is suitable for your needs.

For each cot, you'll find various accessories like soft duvets, plus premium bed linen. This makes it easy to create a warm and warm environment for your baby to enjoy the best sleep possible and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.