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 will make the space appear larger and less clutter-filled.

Stroller-style, and quite light this model is a good choice for smaller bedrooms. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still offer all the security and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models can be transformed into a stylish couch bed for older kids.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt when you need to store other baby things. 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 selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there's something to fit your space. A majority of the designs on our list have a fitted mattress which helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

It is essential to measure the space available in your nursery prior to buying a cot. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars, as this should not be more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.

Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia Cot, that can accommodate an average 120 x 60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's designed to last, with a sturdy construction with high-quality materials, and is easy to alter as your child grows. It is more expensive than the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll have to buy a mattress separately.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is another great option for a compact nursery. It's packed full of additional features like teething rails as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together too. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy a second for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Pick a small cot that has a comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep comfortably. They are designed to be more firm than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough to ensure that your child will have the rest of the night.

The cushioning on these mattresses can also help to reduce heat retention, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used to make the mattress are free of irritants and chemical so that they won't disturb your baby's sensitive skin.

These mattresses are a good cribs option for side and back sleepers as they provide good support for the head, neck and body. These mattresses can be used together with the built-in cradle of a cot, which is helpful for colic or reflux.

If you are considering a cot bed with cushions it is important to determine the dimensions of the mattress as well as whether it can be placed inside the cot's base. Find out if the mattress has any particular rules or regulations, such as the minimum thickness.

This adaptable design by Vox is a great option for parents who are looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It starts out as a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, saving you from having to buy another bed when your child is ready for it.

Our test panel 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 into place and the cot folds down without a complicated mechanism to deal with. It's also lightweight and compact, fitting neatly into a bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for taking it to grandparents' houses.

This cot is extremely comfy despite being bigger than other models in our tried-and-tested range. It's designed to feel like a mattress and has plenty of padding and a springy base that carries weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might have a problem with it.

Safety

It is crucial to make sure that the cot you choose 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. Also, make sure it's the right size for your nursery and has enough space for a secure sleep for your baby. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is level and firm. If it's old, soft or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Check for any sagging areas that could be dangerous, and test to see how quickly the mattress springs back after pressing down on it. A high-quality mattress for cots should be solid and flat when you press it down on the middle of it.

Keep the cot for sale free of toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choke hazard. It's important that babies can move around freely and roll over during sleep. If your cot has drop-sides, be sure to check them often to ensure that the mechanism is secure.

Do not put a cot next to a radiator or a sunny window. It is possible that they will become too warm or awake with sunburn. It is also important to keep your cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories that have long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies and older children might reach out to grab bars for their cot or even pull themselves up.

This cot is well worth the extra expense if you want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not cheap, but it will last your child into their toddler years.

Design

When shopping for a small cot bed, it's important to remember that you're purchasing a long-term piece of furniture. Contrary to cribs that are only used for a brief period of time, cots can be used from the time a child is born until they can safely move to the toddler bed or single bed. To ensure that the cot you buy will last, look out for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you lower the mattress's height as your Baby Crib grows, helping them stay safe and comfortable for longer.

Another design element to keep an eye for is the ability to take off sections of cot bars. This will provide your child with a sense of independence when they begin to play and make it easier for them to get in and out of bed. To make it even more flexible the cot beds such as 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 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 could make all the difference when trying to ensure that your baby has a restful night's sleep.

A small cot, or bed for cots, is a fantastic investment in your baby's security and sleep habits. It can also be an excellent addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of beds and online cots to pick from.

There's also an array of accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets with high-end 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 are getting the best quality sleep possible.