Buying Small Cot Beds

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

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight This model is a good choice for smaller bedrooms. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots however, they still offer 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 a stylish sofa bed for use with older children too.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and reassembled in the event that you need to store other baby things. You might also want to consider a compact cot bed that has built-in storage or an all-purpose design that incorporates a chest of drawers, changing unit and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.

You can find a wide range of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there's something to fit your space. Many of the designs in our roundup include an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.

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 greater 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 comes with a beautiful sleigh-style frame. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also easy to adapt to your baby's increasing requirements. However, it's a much more expensive option than some of the other cots on our list, and you'll need to purchase a mattress in the event you opt for this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the best value cots. It comes with a variety of extra features that include teething rails. There are also two height positions that can be adjusted to suit your baby's growth. It's also easy to assemble. It includes a mattress but you'll need to buy a second to convert it into a toddler.

Comfort

As a parent, you want your child to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment and one of the most beneficial things you can do to ensure an excellent night's rest is to choose a small cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure that your baby gets a good night's rest.

They are cushioned to help prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of chemicals and irritants to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's delicate skin.

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

It is essential to determine the mattress's size and make sure that it fits in the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. Find out if the cot mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, like the minimum thickness.

The adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents who are looking for a cot that grows with their child. It's a cot which transforms into an infant bed. This can save you the expense of buying an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.

Our test panel enjoyed the cot's simple setup and easy setup, with mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds into itself, with no complicated mechanisms to handle. It's also compact and light, fitting into a carry case that is larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot from grandparents' homes.

Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's made to feel like an actual mattress and has plenty of padding and a bouncy base that carries the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy and stable choice for back and side sleepers, though the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your baby cots on sale, it's important to check that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to convert it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to sleep safely. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat inside the cot. If it's old, soft or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Examine for any sagging areas that could be dangerous and test how the mattress will spring back after pressing on it. When you press on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress it should feel solid.

Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choke danger. It is essential that babies move freely and turn over as they sleep. If your cot has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.

It's also a good cribs idea to avoid placing a cot near the sun or a radiator because they may get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Keep the cot away from cords that hang 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 for their cot or pull themselves up.

This cot is worth the extra cost if you want a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to assemble, but the instructions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not expensive, but it'll last your child right into their toddler years and look stunning in any nursery.

Design

It's important to keep in mind that you'll be investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Unlike cribs, which are only used for a short period of time, cots are suitable from the time a child is born until they can easily transition to an adult bed or a single bed. To ensure that the crib you're buying will last, search for a model with adjustable base heights. This feature lets you lower the mattress height as your child grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.

A great design feature is the ability to take out the cot bars into sections. This will provide your child with an impression of independence once they start to toddle and will make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. For more flexibility Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a comfortable sofa by taking the front off of the bed.

Many cots have slatted designs that are ideal for small spaces, as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a significant difference in the quality of sleep and can help ensure that your baby has an enjoyable 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 options to pick from, it's always worth taking the time to explore the wide range of cots and cot beds on offer at Cuckooland to find the style that suits you.

You'll also find that an array of accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets with high-end bed linen are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This lets you create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they are getting the best quality sleep possible.