Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to focus on the safety and spec features when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed cot will make a room feel bigger and less clutter-filled.

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight this model is an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms. 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 that your baby requires. They can be used from birth or until your toddler is old enough to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into a stylish couch bed to use with older children.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and reassembled in the event that you need to store other baby things. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and benches into one piece of furniture.

There's a broad range of sizes in our small cot beds (www.abcplus.Biz) and cribs roundup which means that regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there's something to suit your space. A lot of the cribs on our list come with a fitted mattress, which helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

It is essential to measure the space available in your nursery before purchasing a cot. You should also look at the gap between the bars as this needs to be no more 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 is fitted with a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also easy to adjust to your baby's growing needs. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots on our list, and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately in the event you opt for this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a small nursery, and it's our pick of the best value cots. It's packed full of extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together. The mattress is included, but a second one will be needed for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

As a parent you want your Baby Cot Bed to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial options to ensure they get an excellent night's rest is to pick a smaller crib bed with a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be more firm than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your child will have the rest of the night.

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

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

When selecting a cot bed with a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit inside the base of the cot beds for sale. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, like the minimum thickness.

If you're in search of an cot bed that will grow with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It is initially an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, saving you from the expense of buying another bed when your child is ready for it.

The easy-to-use setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came from the box and unfolded just like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds down without any complicated mechanisms to handle. It's also compact and light, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot to grandparents home.

This cot is extremely comfy despite being bigger than other models in our tried-and-tested collection. It's designed to feel as an actual mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that can absorb the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have a problem with it.

Safety

It's vital to ensure that the cot you choose is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to convert it into a toddler's bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the correct 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 corners or edges.

Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. It can be a suffocation hazard in the event that it is soft or old, or damaged. Look for any sagging areas which could be hazardous and then test how quickly the mattress will spring back after pressing down on it. A high-quality mattress for cots should feel firm and lie flat when you press down on its centre.

Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and anything else that could cause choking. Babies should be able to move easily and roll over during their sleep, so it's important that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.

It's recommended to avoid placing a cot next to the sun or a radiator in case they become too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Keep the cot away from cords on wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other accessories with 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 high-quality finish, this cot is worth the extra investment over cheaper alternatives. It's a bit laborious to assemble, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not expensive, but it will last your child through their toddler years.

Design

When you're looking for a small cot bed, it's important to remember that you're purchasing something that will last for years. Unlike cribs which are used for a limited period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from the time the time when a child can safely transition into a toddler or a single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure that it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's height as your baby grows, ensuring they stay in a safe and comfortable position for longer.

One of the most useful features of the design is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This will give your child the feeling of independence as they begin to play and will make it easier for them to get into and out of the bed. For more flexibility, some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cosy sofa simply by taking the front off of the bed.

Many cots come with slatted designs that are perfect for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a significant difference in terms of comfort and can help ensure that your baby enjoys a restful night.

A compact cot, also known as a cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby's safety and sleeping habits. It's also an ideal addition to any nursery. With so many styles to pick from, it's worth the effort to browse the full selection of affordable cots and beds that are available at Cuckooland to find one that suits you.

You'll also find that various accessories, such as baby bumpers, soft duvets, and top quality bed linen, are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This makes it easy to create a cozy and comfortable environment for your baby to enjoy the best quality sleep, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.