Buying Small Cot Beds

When looking for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up on the specifications and safety features, but you should also consider the design too. A well-designed bed can make the small space appear bigger 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 smaller versions of traditional cots that still have all the safety and comfort features your Baby Cot Bed deserves. 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 convert to an elegant sofa bed for use with older children too.

To maximize your space, look for a model that fits in with your existing bedroom furniture or one that can easily disassemble and reassemble when you need to make room for other baby objects. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multi-functional design that includes a changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seat in one piece of furniture.

Our list of cots for small children and cribs includes a variety of sizes, so there's something to fit in every space. Many of the designs in our roundup come with a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.

It's important that you take measurements of the space in your nursery before purchasing a crib. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars as this needs to be no more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.

Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot sets, which takes a standard 120 x 60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's built to last, with a solid construction and high-quality materials, and it's easy to adjust as your baby grows. However, it's a much more expensive option than some of the other cots on our list and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately in the event you opt for this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a small nursery, and it's our pick for the best value cot. It's loaded with extra features, including 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. It includes a mattress, however, you'll need another one to convert it into a toddler.

Comfort

As a parent, you want your child to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment and one of the most beneficial options to help them get an adequate night's sleep is to select a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. They are designed to be firmer than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough to ensure that your baby will enjoy the rest of the night.

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

Typically, these types of mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers since they provide excellent support for neck, head and body. They can be used together with the built-in cradle in a cot, which can be helpful for colic or reflux.

When selecting a cot bed with cushions, it's important to check the size of the mattress and whether it will fit into the cot's base. It is also possible to determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations to follow when purchasing a cot mattress, such as the minimum thickness.

If you're looking for an cot that can grow with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed. This saves you the cost of buying an additional bed for your child once they are ready.

The easy-to-use configuration of this cot was 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 on itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also light and compact and fits neatly into a carry bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case and ideal for taking it to grandparents' houses.

Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that absorbs the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're in the bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have issues with it.

Safety

For your baby Cots Online's safety, it's essential to verify that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to be compliant 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 has enough space to provide a safe sleep for your little one. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is level and firm. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Check 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 which could pose a choking risk. Babies must be able to move around easily and roll during their sleep, so it's essential that the cot does not have raised corners or cut-outs could be used as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop-side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

It's important to avoid placing a cot near the sun or a radiator because they may become too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. You should also keep your cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. These cords can strangle babies, and older children could reach out to grab cot bars or pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a top rated cots-quality finish, this cot is worth the cost over other cheaper options. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap however it will keep your child safe through their toddler years and will look stunning in any nursery.

Design

It's important to remember that you'll be investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a small bed. Unlike cribs, which are used only for a short period of time, cots are appropriate from the moment a Baby beds is born until they're able to safely move to the toddler bed or single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to fit your baby's development, ensuring they are secure and comfortable.

Another useful design feature to look out for is the capability to remove sections of the cot bars. This will provide your child with a sense of independence when they begin to play and make it easier to help them get into and out of the bed. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by removing the front.

Many cots come with slatted designs that are perfect for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This makes a large difference when it comes to comfort, and could make the difference to ensure that your baby has a good night's sleep.

A small cot, or the cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby’s security and sleeping habits. It can also be an excellent addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of beds and cots to choose from.

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