Buying small cot beds (full report)

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 bed can help make a small room appear larger and less clutter-filled.

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

Space-saving

Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots however, they still offer all the comfort and safety features your baby needs. They can be used from birth or until your toddler is able to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert to a stylish sofa bed for use with older children too.

To make the most of your space, choose an item that is compatible with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that can easily disassemble and reassemble when you want to put in other baby items. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and benches into one piece of furniture.

There is a wide variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs beds roundup and, therefore, no matter if you have a small nursery or a huge playroom there should be something to meet your needs. Many of the designs on our list come with a fitted mattress, which helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.

When selecting a cot, it is essential to measure the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to ensure it will fit before purchasing. The gap between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which can fit an average 120x60cm mattress and features a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It's built to last, with a sturdy build and quality materials, and it's simple to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. However, it's a much more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll need to purchase a mattress if you choose this model.

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

Comfort

Choose a small cot with an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. They are designed to be more firm than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your baby will enjoy a good night's rest.

The cushioning on these mattresses can also help to reduce heat retention, which can cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used to make the mattress are free of chemicals and irritants to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's delicate skin.

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

When choosing a small crib bed with cushions it is important to determine the size of the mattress and whether it will fit into the base of the cot. Find out if the mattress has any particular rules or regulations, like a minimum thickness.

If you're looking for an cot bed that will grow with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to purchase another bed when your baby is ready for it.

Our panel of test participants enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds down without any complicated mechanisms to handle. It's also lightweight and compact and fits neatly into a bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.

This cot is extremely comfortable, despite being larger than the other models in our tried and tested collection. It is designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding, and a springy bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy, stable option for both back and side sleepers, however the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle with it.

Safety

It is essential to make sure that the cot bed you select is safe for your child. Check 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 correct size for your nursery and has enough space to provide a safe sleep for your baby. 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 flat and firm. It can be dangerous to suffocate when it is squishy or worn out. Examine for any sagging areas that could pose a danger, and test to see how the mattress springs back after pressing down on it. A good quality mattress for cots should be firm and lie flat when you press it down on the middle of it.

Keep the cot clear of toys, smudges, and anything else which could cause choking. Babies should be able to move around easily and roll in their sleep, so it's also important that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop side check it frequently to ensure the mechanism locks securely.

It's recommended to avoid placing a cot near the sun or a radiator because they may get too hot or awake with sunburn. You should also keep the cot away from wall mounted curtain cords or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, and older babies could climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.

For Scandi style and a premium finish the cot is worth the extra investment over cheaper alternatives. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not expensive however it will last until their toddler years and look fantastic in any nursery.

Design

When looking for a compact cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're likely investing in an item that will last for a long time. Unlike cribs, which are used only for a short time, cots can be used from the moment a baby is born until they can easily transition to an adult bed or a single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure that it will last. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to fit your baby's growth, keeping them safe and comfortable.

Another design element to look out for is the capability to take sections of the cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your baby a sense of independence once they begin walking around, and can assist them in and out of their bed easily. To make it even more flexible Some 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 design of a lot of cots offers is an excellent choice for a small space, in addition, it assists to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This is a significant difference when it comes to comfort, and could make the difference to ensure your baby gets an adequate night's rest.

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

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