Buying Small Cot Beds

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

Stroller-style and extremely light This model is a great choice for smaller bedrooms. It's also the most recommended cribs simple flatpack to put together.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, however, they still offer all the comfort and safety features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready for an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models convert to a stylish sofa bed for use with older children, too.

To help you maximize your space, consider a model that fits in with the furniture in your bedroom or one that you can easily dismantle and put up again when you need to put in other baby items. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a benches into one piece of furniture.

There is a wide variety 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 should be something to suit your space. A lot of the cribs that we have listed come with a fitted mattress which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

It's important that you take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to buying a crib. The gap between the bars should not be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.

Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which can fit an average 120 x 60cm mattress, and is fitted with a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's built to last with a solid construction and quality materials, and it's easy to alter as your child grows. It is more expensive than the other cots in our list and you will need to purchase a separate mattress.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a compact nursery, and is our choice of the best value cots. It's stuffed with extra features, including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together too. The mattress is included, but an additional one will be required to help with the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Choose a small cot with an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. These are designed to be firmer than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your child will have the rest of the night.

The cushioning of these mattresses helps in preventing heat retention, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens, chemicals and other substances that could cause irritation to your baby's skin.

Typically, these mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers since they provide excellent support for neck and head as well as body. These mattresses can be utilized together with the built-in cradle of a cot, which can be beneficial for reflux or colic.

It is crucial to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it will fit in the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. It is also possible to determine whether there are specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying the mattress for a cot including the minimum thickness.

This adaptable design by Vox is a great option for parents who want a cot that grows with their child. It starts out as a cot but can later be transformed into an infant bed, saving you from the expense of buying a new bed when your baby is ready to use it.

The user-friendly setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came from the box and unfolded just like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds up without any complicated mechanisms to deal with. It is also compact and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot to grandparents home.

Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and-tested range, this cot is extremely comfortable. It is designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they're 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

To ensure the safety of your baby it is essential to ensure whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to transform it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is the correct size for your nursery and has enough space for your child to be safe. It should be 140cm x 70cm, and not have any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is flat and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Test the mattress to see if it springs back quickly after pressing. If you press the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it should feel solid.

Keep the cot clear of any toys, stickers and anything else that could be a danger to choking. It's essential that babies move around freely and roll over while they sleep. If your cot has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

Do not place your cot near a radiator or a sunny window. They could get too warm or wake up with sunburn. It is also important to keep the cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, while older babies could climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.

For Scandi style and a premium finish, this cot is worth the investment over the cheaper alternatives. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble but the directions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not cheap but it will last your child through their toddler years.

Design

When shopping for a small cot bed, you need to keep in mind that you're investing in something that will last for years. In contrast to cribs, which are used only for a short period of time, cots are suitable from the moment a baby is born until they're able to safely transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable height base to ensure that it will last. This feature allows you lower the mattress in height to suit your baby's growth, keeping them secure and comfortable.

Another design element to keep an eye out for is the capability to take off sections of the cot bars. This is an excellent way to give your baby a sense of independence once they begin toddle, and will assist them in and out of their bed with ease. For even greater flexibility Some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cozy sofa by taking off the front of the bed.

The slatted style of many cribs is a good option for small spaces, also, since 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 beds enjoys an enjoyable sleep.

A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment in your baby's security and sleep habits. It can also be an ideal addition to any nursery. With so many styles to pick from, it's always worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and cot beds on offer at Cuckooland to find a style that is suitable for your needs.

You'll also find that an array of accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets with premium bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This allows you to create an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, making sure they have the best cot beds sleep possible.