Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to focus on the safety features and specifications when looking for a smaller bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can make the small space appear bigger and less clutter-filled.

Stroller-style, and quite light this model is an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still have all the security and comfort features your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready for an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children, too.

Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to make space for other baby items. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that incorporates the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and benches into one piece of furniture.

You can find a wide variety of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup and, therefore, regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's a bed that will meet your needs. Many of the designs featured in our roundup come with a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.

When you are choosing a cot it's important to determine the size of your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before you purchase. You should also look at the gap between the bars as this needs to be no greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and comes with a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's built to last, with a solid construction with high-quality materials, and it's easy to adjust as your baby grows. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll have to purchase a mattress when you pick this model.

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 packed full of extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together too. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy another one for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

As a parent you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment and one of the most beneficial things you can do to help them get a good night's sleep 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 baby will enjoy an enjoyable night's sleep.

The cushioning of these mattresses also helps to prevent heat retention, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used to make the mattress are also free of irritants and chemical to ensure they don't cause irritation to your Baby Crib's delicate skin.

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

It is crucial to measure the mattress size and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. Find out if the cot mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, for instance a minimum thickness.

The adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who are looking for a cot that grows with their child. It is a cot that converts to a toddler bed. This will save you the cost of buying an additional bed for your child once they are ready.

Our panel of test participants was impressed by the simple setup of this cot and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap in place, and the cot folds over itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also lightweight and compact and fits neatly into a carry bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.

Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress and has plenty of padding and a springy base that carries the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's also a solid, stable option for both back and side sleepers but the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your baby, it's essential to verify whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to transform it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to sleep safely. It should be at least 140cm by 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Test the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. If you press the middle of a good quality cot-mattress it should feel solid.

Keep the cot clear of any toys, stickers and anything else that could pose a choking risk. Babies must be able to move around easily and roll throughout their sleep, which is why 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 sale cot has drop-sides, make sure you check it regularly to make sure the mechanism is secure.

It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot close to the sun or a radiator in case they become too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies could be strangled by these cords, while older babies could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.

For Scandi style and a high-quality finish This cot is well worth the extra investment over cheaper alternatives. It's a bit time-consuming to put together however the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap however it will last until their toddler years and look stunning in any nursery.

Design

When you're looking for a small 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 for a limited period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from the time a child is able to easily transition into the toddler or single bed. To ensure the cot you purchase will last, look for a design with adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you lower the mattress's height as your child grows, ensuring they stay safe and comfortable for longer.

Another important feature to look for is the ability to take off sections of the cot bars. This will provide your child with the feeling of independence as they start to toddle and will make it easier for them to get into and out of the bed. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by taking out the front.

Many cots feature slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This is a significant difference when it comes to comfort, and can make all the difference when trying to ensure that your baby has an adequate night's rest.

A cot-sized or small bed is a fantastic investment for your baby cots on sale's sleeping habits and security, and is a beautiful addition to any nursery setting. Cuckooland offers a variety of beds and cots to choose from.

For each crib, you'll find an array of accessories like soft duvets and high-end bed linen. This makes it easy to put together a cosy and welcoming environment for your baby's to get the best cots for newborns possible rest and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.