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 take into account the aesthetic too. A well-designed cot will make the space appear larger and less cluttered.

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

Space-saving

Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots offers, however, they still offer all the comfort and safety features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models can be transformed into a chic couch bed for older children.

To make the most of your space, look for the right model that will fit with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that you can easily take apart and reassemble when you want to put in other baby items. It is also possible to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or an all-purpose design that incorporates the drawers of a chest 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 no matter if you have a small nursery or a large playroom, there should be something to fit your space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup include a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.

It is crucial to take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to 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.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which can fit the standard 120 x 60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It is built to last with quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also easy to adapt to your child's changing needs. However, it's a more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll need to buy a separate mattress in the event you opt for this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the most value-for-money cots. It's loaded with extra features that include teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to fit the baby's development. It is also super easy to assemble. The mattress is included, but another one will be needed to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

Choose a small cot with an easy mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep well. These mattresses are firmer than traditional cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep.

The cushioning of these mattresses can also help to reduce heat retention, which may cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals so that they won't disturb the baby's sensitive skin.

These mattresses are a great alternative for back and side sleepers as they provide adequate support for the head, neck and body. These mattresses can be utilized in conjunction 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 prior purchasing a small cot. Find out if the cot mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, like the minimum thickness.

If you're in search of an cot bed that will expand with your child, then consider this adaptable 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 to use it.

Our panel of test participants loved this cot's easy setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot then collapses into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. 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 perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents at their homes.

This cot is extremely comfortable, despite being larger than other models in our tried and tested range. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in a 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's safety, it's important to check that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to transform it into a toddler's bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the right size for your nursery and has enough room for a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is firm and lies flat in the cot. It could pose a suffocation hazard when it is squishy or worn out. Check for any sagging areas which could be hazardous, and test to see how the mattress springs back when pressing down on it. When you press on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it should feel firm.

Keep the cot clear of toys, smudges and other items that could pose a choking risk. It's essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If your cot is equipped with drop-sides, be sure to check them regularly to make sure the mechanism locks securely.

It's important to avoid placing a cot next to an open window or a radiator because they may become too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Keep the cot away from wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other decorative items that have long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies and older children might reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.

This cot is definitely worth the extra expense If you're looking for a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow, and the wood feels solid. It takes some time to assemble. It's not cheap but it will last into their toddler years.

Design

It's important to remember that you'll be investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs which are used only for a brief period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from the time a child is able to safely transition to a toddler or a single bed. To ensure the cot you purchase will last, search for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's in height to suit your baby's growing needs, while keeping them safe and comfy.

A great design feature is the ability to take out the cot bars into sections. This is an excellent way to give your child a sense of independence once they start walking around, and can assist them in and out of their bed easily. To make it even more flexible the cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a comfortable sofa by removing the front of the bed.

The slatted style of many cots offers is an excellent choice for small spaces, too, as it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby gets an enjoyable sleep.

A small cot or cot bed is a great investment for your baby's sleep habits and security, and is an excellent design element to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of beds and top rated cots to pick from.

There's also various accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets made of premium bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to put together a cosy and warm environment for your baby to enjoy the best possible rest and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.