Buying Small Cot Beds

When looking for a small cot bed, it's easy to get caught up on the specifications and safety features, but you should also consider the design too. A well-designed cot can help make a room feel bigger and less cluttered.

Stroller-style and extremely light, this model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still have all the security and comfort features your baby deserves. They can be used from the time of birth or until your toddler is old enough to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into a chic couch bed to use with older kids.

To help you make the most of your space, look for a model that fits in with the furniture in your bedroom, or one that you can easily dismantle and put up again when you need to put in other baby things. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that includes a changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table tots and cots a bench seats into one piece of furniture.

You can find a wide range of sizes in our cots that are small and cribs roundup, so whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there's something to meet your needs. A lot of the designs in our roundup have an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.

It is crucial to determine the size of your nursery prior to buying a cot. You should also look at the gap between the bars as this needs to be no more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, that can accommodate the standard 120 x 60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your child's changing needs. It's more expensive than the other cots in our list and you will need to buy a separate mattress.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin mini cot beds is a great option for a small nursery, and is our choice of the most affordable cot. 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 incredibly easy to put together too. The mattress is included, however a second one will be needed to help with the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Pick a small cot that has an easy mattress. This will help your baby rest comfortably. They are designed to be firmer than a traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your baby will enjoy the rest of the night.

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

Typically, these types of mattresses are a great option for back and side sleepers since they provide excellent support for the neck, head and body. They can be used in conjunction with the built-in cradle in the cot, which is useful for those suffering from reflux or colic.

When choosing a small cot bed with cushions, it's important to check the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit inside the cot's base. Find out if the mattress has any particular rules or regulations, such as the minimum thickness.

If you're looking for an cot bed that will expand with your child take a look at this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, saving you from having to purchase another bed when your baby is ready to use it.

Our test panel enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap in place, and the cot folds over itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also light and compact and fits neatly into a carry bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case, and is ideal for taking it to grandparents' homes.

This cot is extremely comfy, despite being larger than other models in our tried-and tested line-up. It's designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could be a bit uncomfortable with it.

Safety

For your baby's safety, it's important to check that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to meet. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to convert it into a toddler's bed. You should also check that it's the correct size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should be 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Check for any sagging areas that could be dangerous and then test how the mattress springs back when pressing down on it. A good quality mattress for cots should be firm and flat when you press it down on the centre of it.

Keep the cot free of any toys, stickers and anything else that could cause choking. It's essential that babies move freely and turn over while they sleep. If your cot is equipped with a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is secured.

It's recommended to avoid placing a cot next to a radiator or sunny window in case they become too hot or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other accessories with long cords. Babies can be strangled by these cords, while older children may climb up on them or reach out to grab the infant cot bed bars.

This cot is well worth the extra expense If you're looking for the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow, and the wood feels solid. It takes time to assemble. It's not expensive, but it will last until they reach the age of toddlers.

Design

It is important to keep in mind that you're likely to invest in long-term furniture when shopping for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs, which are only used for a short time, cots can be used from the moment 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 base height to ensure that it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress height to accommodate your child's growth, keeping them safe and comfortable.

A useful design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This is an excellent way to provide your baby a sense of independence once they begin playing, and can aid them in getting into and out of their bed quickly. For even greater flexibility, some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cozy sofa by taking the front off of the bed.

Many cots feature slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby enjoys a good sleep.

A compact cot, also known as a cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby’s safety and sleeping habits. It can also be an ideal addition to any nursery. With so many designs available to pick from, it's always worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and cot beds that are available at Cuckooland to find the style that's perfect for you.

For each cot, there's a variety of accessories like soft duvets and high-end bed linen. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, making sure they get the best cots for newborns rest possible.