Buying Small Cot Beds

When shopping for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can help make smaller rooms appear larger 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 scaled down versions of traditional cots however, they still offer all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a stylish couch bed for older kids.

To make the most of your space, choose the right model that will fit with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that you can easily take apart and put up again when you want to put in other baby objects. 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 bench seats into one piece of furniture.

There's a broad range of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there should be something to fit your space. Many of the designs on our list come with an adjustable mattress, which helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

It is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery before purchasing a cot. The gap between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which takes a standard 120x60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It is built to last with quality materials and a sturdy structure. It is also easy to adapt to your child's changing requirements. It is more expensive than other cots we've reviewed, and you will need to buy a mattress separately.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a small nursery, and it's our pick for the most affordable cot. It's loaded with extra features, including teething rails. There are also two height positions which can be adjusted to fit the baby's development. It's also easy to put together. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy an additional one to convert it into a toddler.

Comfort

As a parent you want your child to enjoy a comfortable, safe sleeping environment and one of the best ways to ensure an excellent night's rest is to select a small cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are firmer than traditional cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure that your baby gets a good night's sleep.

The cushioning on these mattresses helps in preventing heat retention, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used to make the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals to ensure that they don't irritate the baby's sensitive skin.

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

If you are considering a crib bed with a cushioned mattress it is important to determine the dimensions of the mattress and whether it will fit into the cot's base. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, for instance a minimum thickness.

If you're in search of an cot bed that will adapt to your child's needs, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's a cot that can be converted into an infant bed. This saves you the expense of buying an additional bed for your child once they are ready.

The user-friendly configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came from the box and folded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot collapses on itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also compact and lightweight and can easily fit into a bag smaller than a camping chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' homes.

Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and tested range, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel as an actual mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that absorbs the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're in the 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 make sure that the cot bed you pick is safe for your baby. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into an infant bed. Check that it is the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to be safe. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is firm and lies flat in the cot. It could pose dangerous to suffocate when it is squishy or worn out. Examine the mattress to determine whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots should feel firm and lie flat when you press down on the middle of it.

Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and other items that could cause choking. Babies should be able move freely and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's also important that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot has a drop-side, check it regularly to make sure the mechanism locks securely.

It's recommended to avoid placing a cheap cot bed 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 that hang on wall-mounted curtains and cheap baby cots for sale monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children might reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.

This cot is worth the extra cost for those who want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels solid. It takes a while to put together. It's not expensive, 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 an item that will last for a long time. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a short period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from the time a child is able to easily transition into a toddler or a single bed. To ensure the cot you purchase will last, look out for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you lower the mattress height as your child grows, helping them stay safe and comfortable for longer.

A useful design feature is the capability to remove the cot bars into sections. This is an excellent way to provide your baby a sense of independence once they start toddle, and will assist them in and out of their bed easily. To make it even more flexible the cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by taking the front off of the bed.

The slatted design of a lot of cribs is a good option for a small space in addition, it assists to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in comfort, and can make the difference to ensure that your child gets an adequate night's rest.

A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby’s security and sleep habits. It's also an excellent addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds to pick from.

You'll also find that an array of accessories, including baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This will allow you to create a an inviting and cozy environment for your baby, ensuring they get the best crib rest possible.