Buying Small Cot Beds

When shopping for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the specifications and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less overwhelmed.

Stroller-style, and quite light, this model is a great option for smaller bedrooms. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the safety and comfort features that your baby needs. They can be used from birth, or until your toddler is able to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children, too.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled, then reassembled when you need to make space for other baby things. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that incorporates the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and benches into one piece of furniture.

You can find a wide selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup and, therefore, regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's something to fit 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.

It is essential to determine the size of your nursery before purchasing a crib. You should also look at the gap between the bars, as it should not be greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and has stunning sleigh-style frames. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your Baby Crib's growing requirements. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed and you'll have to buy a separate mattress in the event you opt for this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a smaller nursery and is our choice of the best cots value cots. It's stuffed with additional features like teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together too. The mattress is included, but an additional one will be needed to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

Select a cot that is small and has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. These mattresses are firmer than the traditional cot mattress but are soft enough to ensure your child gets a good night's rest.

These mattresses are cushioned to prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants, chemicals and other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.

These mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers, as they offer excellent support for neck, head and body. These mattresses can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which can be useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.

When choosing a small cot bed with a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the size of the mattress and whether it will fit into the cot's base. You can also find out whether there are any specific rules and regulations to follow when purchasing the mattress for a cot, such as the 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 is initially a cot and then converts into an infant bed, saving you from having to purchase an entirely new bed once your baby is ready for it.

The simple setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came out of the box and unfolded just like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds into itself, with no complicated mechanisms to handle. It's also compact and light, fitting in a carry case that is larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot to grandparents home.

This cot is extremely comfy despite being bigger than other models from our tried-and-tested collection. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress with plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's also a solid and stable choice for back and side sleepers, though the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your baby, it's important to check that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to comply with. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to convert it into a toddler's bed. Also, make sure it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough room for a safe sleep for your little one. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could create a risk of suffocation. Check the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it will feel solid.

Keep the cot clear of any toys, stickers and other items that could cause choking. Babies must be able to move around easily and roll throughout their sleep, which is why it's also important that the cot does not have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

Avoid placing a cot next to a radiator or a bright window. It could become too warm or awake with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords on wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other accessories with long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, while older children may get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.

For Scandi style and a high-quality finish the cot is worth the extra investment over the cheaper alternatives. The instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It takes time to put together. It's not cheap however it will last your child right into their toddler years and will look great in any nursery.

Design

When shopping for a small cot bed, you need to remember that you're likely investing in an item that will last for a long time. Unlike cribs, which are only used for a brief period of time, cots are suitable from the time a child is born until they're able to safely transition to the toddler bed or single bed. To ensure that the crib you buy will last, search for a model with adjustable base heights. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height as your child grows, making sure they are in a safe and comfortable position for longer.

Another design element to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your little one a feeling of independence once they begin walking around, and can help them get in and out of their bed easily. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by removing the front.

Many cots have slatted designs which are ideal for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a significant difference in the quality of sleep and can help ensure that your baby has a restful night.

A small cot or cot bed is a fantastic investment for your baby's sleep habits and security, and is an attractive design element to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds for you to choose from.

For each cot, you'll find various accessories like soft duvets and premium bedding. This will allow you to create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they get the best cots rest possible.