Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to focus on the safety features and specifications when you're looking for a compact bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help make a small room appear larger and less clutter-filled.

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

Space-saving

Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots however, they still offer all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models can be turned into a stylish sofa bed to use with older children.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and reassembled in case you want to make space for other baby items. You might also want to think about a compact cot bed with built-in storage or an all-purpose design that incorporates an armoire as well as a changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.

There is a wide selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there's something to fit your space. A lot of the cribs on our list come with a fitted mattress that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

It is essential to determine the size of your nursery prior to buying a cot. The distance between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has stunning sleigh-style frames. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also simple to adapt to your baby's increasing requirements. It's more expensive than the other cots in our list and you will need to buy a mattress separately.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a smaller nursery and is our choice of the best infant cribs value cots. It's packed full of additional features like teething rails as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together too. The mattress is included, however an additional one will be required to help with the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Select a cot that is small and has an easy mattress. This will help your baby sleep comfortably. These are designed to be more firm than a traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your child will have a good night's rest.

The mattresses are cushioned to help prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals so that they won't disturb your baby's sensitive skin.

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

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

This adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents who are looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It's a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed. This saves you the cost of buying a new bed for your child when they are ready.

The simple setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came out of the box and unfolded just like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot then collapses over itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also light and compact and can easily fit into a carry bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case and ideal for taking it to the grandparents' homes.

This cot is extremely comfortable despite being bigger than other models from our tried-and tested line-up. It is designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel as if they are in the bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might be a bit uncomfortable with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your baby it's important to check whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the right size for your nursery and has enough room for a safe sleep for your little one. 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 in the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Check for any sagging areas that could pose a danger and test how quickly the mattress springs back when pressing down on it. A good quality cot mattress should feel firm and lie flat when you press it down on the centre of it.

Keep the cot free of any toys, stickers and other things that could be a choking hazard. It's important that babies can move around freely and roll over as they sleep. If your crib has a drop side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

It's recommended to avoid placing a cot next to a radiator or sunny window because they may get too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies can be strangled by these cords, while older children could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.

This cot is well worth the extra cost if you want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood is sturdy. It takes some time to assemble. It's not expensive however it will keep your child safe through their toddler years and look fantastic in any nursery.

Design

When shopping for a small cot bed, it's important to remember that you're purchasing a long-term piece of furniture. Unlike cribs which are used only for a short period of time, cots and beds are suitable from birth until the time when a child can safely transition to a toddler or a single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's in height to suit your baby's development, ensuring they are safe and comfy.

Another design element to look out for is the capability to take sections of cot bars. This will provide your child with the feeling of independence as they start to toddle and will make it easier for them to get into and out of the bed. To make it even more flexible the 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 cots is a great option for a small space, too, as it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby enjoys a restful night.

A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby’s safety and sleeping habits. It's also a lovely addition to any nursery. With so many options to pick from, it's worth the effort to look through the entire selection of cots and cot beds on offer at Cuckooland to find one that's perfect for you.

You'll also find that various accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets with top quality bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This makes it easy to put together a cosy and welcoming environment for your baby's to get the best cots for newborns sleep possible, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.