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 bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less cluttered.

This model is ideal for bedrooms with small spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still offer all the safety and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be transformed into a chic couch bed to use with older children.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled, then reassembled when you need to store other baby things. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that includes a changing unit as well as a chest of drawers and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

Our list of cots for small children and cribs features a range of sizes, so there's something to suit every space. A lot of the cribs that we have listed come with an adjustable mattress that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

It is essential to determine the size of your nursery prior to purchasing a crib. The gap between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot that can accommodate an average 120 x 60cm mattress, and is fitted with a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your baby's growing needs. It's however 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 is a great option for a smaller nursery and is our choice of the best rated cribs value cots. It's loaded with extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's super-easy to put together too. It comes with a mattress, however, you'll need an additional one to convert it into a toddler.

Comfort

As a parent, you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleep environment and one of the best options to ensure they get an adequate night's sleep is to pick a smaller cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. They are designed to be firmer than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your baby will enjoy an enjoyable night's sleep.

The mattress's cushioning can also help to reduce heat retention, which may cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants, chemicals and other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.

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

It is crucial to measure the mattress's size and make sure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. It is also possible to determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations to follow when purchasing a cot mattress including the minimum thickness.

If you're looking for an cot bed that will grow with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to purchase an entirely new bed once your baby is ready to use it.

Our panel of testers loved this cot's easy setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out from the box and was unfolded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot collapses into itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also compact and light, fitting in a carry case that is larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot to grandparents home.

This cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than other models in our tried-and-tested line-up. It's designed to feel as an actual mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your baby it's important to check that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to transform it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is the right size for the nursery and has enough space for your child to sleep safely. It should be 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure the mattress is flat and firm. If it's old, soft or damaged, it could create a risk of suffocation. Check for any sagging areas that could be dangerous, and test to see how the mattress springs back after pressing on it. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it should feel solid.

Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and anything else that could cause choking. It's essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure you check it regularly to make sure the mechanism is secure.

It's important to avoid placing a cot near the sun or a radiator in case they become too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords on wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, while older children may climb up on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.

This cot is well worth the extra expense If you're looking for a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow, and the wood feels sturdy. It takes some time to assemble. It's not expensive however it will last until their toddler years and will look stunning in any nursery.

Design

It's important to remember that you are likely investing 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 or cot beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to easily transition into the toddler or single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it lasts. This feature lets you lower the mattress's height as your baby grows, helping them stay safe and comfortable for longer.

One of the most useful features of the design is the ability to remove cot bars in sections. 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. To make it even more flexible the cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cosy sofa simply by taking off the front of the bed.

Many cots feature slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a huge difference when it comes to comfort and can make the difference to ensure your baby gets an adequate night's rest.

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

For each cot, there's various accessories such as soft duvets, plus premium bed linen. This makes it simple to create a warm and welcoming environment for your baby to enjoy the best cot bed quality sleep and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.