Buying Small Cot Beds

When looking for a small cot bed It's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features, but you should also consider the aesthetic too. A well-designed cot can help make the space appear larger and less clutter-filled.

Stroller-style, and quite light This model is a good option for smaller bedrooms. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, however they still provide all the comfort and safety features your baby requires. They are suitable from birth or until your toddler is old enough to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert to an elegant sofa bed to use with older children as well.

Find a product that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt when you need to make space for other baby items. Consider a compact cot-bed with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates the changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

There is a wide range of sizes in our cots that are small and cribs roundup and, therefore, no matter if you have a small nursery or a large playroom, there's a bed that will suit your space. A lot of the cribs that we have listed come with an adjustable mattress, which helps keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.

When selecting a cot, it is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before you purchase. The gap between the bars should not be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and features stunning sleigh-style frames. It's constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. It is also easy to adjust to your baby's changing requirements. However, it's a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately in the event you opt for this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is a excellent option for a small nursery. It's stuffed with extra features, including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together too. The mattress is included, but another one will be required to help with the toddler conversion.

Comfort

As a parent you want your child to enjoy a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial ways to ensure an adequate night's sleep is to choose a small cot bed with a comfy mattress. These mattresses are firmer than traditional cot mattresses but are soft enough to ensure your child has a comfortable night sleep.

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

Typically, these kinds of mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers since they provide excellent support for the neck as well as the head and body. They can also be used with the cot's built-in cradling feature, which many parents find to be beneficial for reflux and colic.

When selecting a mattress cot bed that has a cushioned mattress, it's important to check the dimensions of the mattress and whether it will fit inside the cot's base. Find out if the mattress has any particular rules or regulations, like a minimum thickness.

If you're in search of an cot that can adapt to your child's needs, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed. This saves you the cost of buying an entirely new bed for your child when 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 of the box and unfolded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap in place and the cot collapses on itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also light and compact, fitting neatly into a bag smaller than a camping chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to grandparents' homes.

This cot is extremely comfy despite its size being higher than other models from our tried-and tested range. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress and has plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy and stable choice for back and side sleepers, however 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 that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to comply with. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough room for a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure the mattress is firm and lies flat in the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Examine for any sagging areas that could pose a danger and then test how the mattress will spring back after pressing it. If you press the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it should feel solid.

Keep the cot free of any toys, stickers and anything else that could be a choking danger. Babies should be able to move freely and roll over in their sleep, so it's also important that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure you check it regularly to make sure the mechanism locks securely.

Do not place your Mini Cot Bed near the heat source or a window that is sunny. It is possible that they will become too warm or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot away from cords on wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other decorative items that have long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies, and older children could reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a top-quality finish, this cot is worth the extra investment over the cheaper alternatives. It's a bit laborious to assemble but the directions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not expensive, but it will last your child through their toddler years.

Design

It's important to consider that you're likely to invest in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a brief period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from the time the time a child is old enough to easily transition into the toddler or single bed. To ensure the cot you buy will last, look out for a model that has adjustable base heights. This feature lets you lower the mattress height as your baby grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.

Another important feature to look for is the ability to take off sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to give your baby a sense of independence when they begin to toddle, and will assist them in and out of their bed easily. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa simply by removing the front.

The slatted design of many cribs is a good option for a small space, too, as it helps 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 that your child gets an adequate night's rest.

A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby’s security and sleep habits. It can also be an excellent addition to any nursery cots. With so many styles to choose from, it's always worth taking the time to look through the entire selection of cots and cot beds on offer at Cuckooland to find a style that is suitable for your needs.

There's also various accessories, like baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, ensuring they have the best sleep possible.