Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to concentrate on the safety and spec features when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed cot can help make your room appear bigger and less cluttered.

Stroller-style and extremely light this model is an excellent option for smaller bedrooms. It's also the simplest flatpack to assemble.

Space-saving

Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots however, they still offer all the safety 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 as well.

To help you make the most of your space, look for an item that is compatible with your existing furniture in the bedroom, or one that you can easily take apart and put up again when you want to accommodate other baby things. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that incorporates the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.

There's a broad selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there should be something to suit your space. Many of the designs on our list have an adjustable mattress that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

When you are choosing a cot it is essential to determine the size of your nursery and verify the dimensions to make sure it will fit before you purchase. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars as this should not be more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and features a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also simple to adapt to your baby's increasing requirements. 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 fantastic option for a smaller nursery and is our choice of the best value cot. It's loaded with extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together. The mattress is included, however a second one will be required for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Pick a small cot that has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep well. They are designed to be more firm than traditional cot mattresses but are still soft enough so that your child will get an enjoyable night's sleep.

They are cushioned to help prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens, chemicals and other substances that could cause irritation to your baby's skin.

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

If you are considering a mattress cot bed that has cushions, it's important to check the size of the mattress as well as whether it can be placed inside the base of the cot. Find out if the cot mattress has any particular rules or regulations, for instance the minimum thickness.

This adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents who want a cot that grows with their child. It's a cot which converts to a toddler bed. This saves you the expense of buying an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.

Our panel of testers enjoyed the cot's simple 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 folds into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also small and light, fitting in the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents' homes.

Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight without making your child feel like they are in the bouncer. It's a stable, solid alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have issues with it.

Safety

It's vital to make sure that the cot you choose is safe for your child. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. Also, make sure it's the right size for your nursery and has enough space to provide 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 sits flat in the cot. It could pose dangerous to suffocate when it is squishy, old, or damaged. Check the mattress to see whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cheap cots should feel solid and flat when you press down on the centre of it.

Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choking hazard. It is essential that babies move around freely and roll over during sleep. If your cot features drop-sides, be sure to check them frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secured.

Avoid placing the cot next to the heat source or a bright window. They could get too hot or wake up with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains and baby 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 well worth the extra cost for those who want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood is solid. It takes time to put together. It's not expensive but it'll last until their toddler years and will look great in any nursery.

Design

It's important to remember that you'll be investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Contrary to cribs that are only used for a short time, cots can be used from the time a child is born until they are able to easily transition to the toddler bed or single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure it will last. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to fit your baby's growth, keeping them safe and comfortable.

A great design feature is the capability to remove the cot bars into sections. This will give your child the feeling of independence as they start to toddle and will make it easier to help them get into and out of bed. To make it even more flexible, some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cosy sofa simply by taking the front off of the bed.

Many cots feature slatted designs which are ideal for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This makes a large difference in comfort and can make the difference to ensure that your baby has a good night's sleep.

A small cot, or bed for cots, is a fantastic investment in your baby's security and sleep habits. It's also an ideal addition to any nursery. With so many styles to pick from, it's worth the effort to look through the entire selection of cots and beds available at Cuckooland to find the style that's perfect for you.

You'll also find that a range of accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets with top rated cots quality bed linen, are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This allows you to create an inviting and cozy environment for your child, ensuring they get the best rest possible.