Buying Small Cot Beds

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

This model is perfect for smaller bedrooms. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the easiest flatpack to assemble.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the safety and comfort features your baby deserves. 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 to use with older children.

To help you maximize your space, choose a model that fits in with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that you can easily dismantle and put up again when you need to put in 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 the drawers of a chest, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

You can find a wide range of sizes in our cots for small spaces and cribs roundup, so regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery cots or a spacious playroom there's something to suit your space. A lot of the designs in our roundup include a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

When selecting a cot, it's important to take measurements of the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to make sure it's suitable before making your purchase. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars, as this should not be greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which can fit a standard 120 x 60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's built to last with quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also simple to adjust to your baby's growing requirements. However, it's a much more expensive option than some of the other cots on our list and you'll need to buy a separate mattress if you choose this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the best value cot, is another great option for a compact nursery. It comes with a variety of extra features such as teething rails. There are also two height positions that can be adjusted to suit the baby's development. It is also super easy to assemble. It includes a mattress, but you'll need to buy an additional one to convert it into a toddler.

Comfort

Choose a small cot with an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep comfortably. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure that your baby gets a good night's sleep.

The mattresses are cushioned to prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants chemical compounds and other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.

These mattresses are a good option for side and back sleepers, as they offer good support for neck, head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built in cradling, which parents have found to be beneficial for colic and reflux.

When selecting a cot bed with cushions, it's important to check the dimensions of the mattress and whether it can be placed inside the base of the cot. Find out if the cot mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, like a minimum thickness.

If you're looking for a cot for sale bed that can adapt to your child's needs and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It's initially a cot but can later be transformed into a toddler bed, saving you from the expense of buying a new bed when your baby is ready for it.

The user-friendly 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 down without a complicated mechanism to deal with. It's also compact and light, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot from grandparents' homes.

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

Safety

It is crucial to ensure that the cot bed you pick is safe for your baby. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to transform it into a toddler's bed. Make sure it's appropriate for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to sleep safely. It should measure 140cm by 70cm, and not have any gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. If it's old, soft or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Examine for any sagging areas which could be hazardous and test how the mattress will spring back after pressing on it. A good quality mattress for affordable cots should feel solid and flat when you press it down on the middle of it.

Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choke hazard. It's important that babies can move freely and turn over while 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 close to an open window or a radiator in case they get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Keep the cot away from wall mounted curtains as well as baby cot online monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. The cords could strangle infants and older children may reach out to grab bars for their cot or pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a high-quality finish, this cot is worth the investment over the cheaper alternatives. It's not the easiest to put together however the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap, but it will last your child into their toddler years.

Design

When shopping for a small cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're investing in something that will last for years. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a short period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from the time a child is able to safely transition to the toddler or single bed. To ensure that the cot you buy will last, look out for a design with adjustable base heights. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's growing needs, while keeping them safe and comfy.

Another useful design feature to look out for is the capability to remove sections of the cot bars. This will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to crawl and make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. 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 cots is a great option for a small space, also, since it helps 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 enjoys an enjoyable sleep.

A small cot or bed is a great investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an attractive addition to any nursery setting. Cuckooland offers a variety of beds and cots to choose from.

For each cot, there's an array of accessories, including soft duvets and premium bedding. This makes it easy to create a warm and comfortable environment for your baby's to get the best sleep possible and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.