Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to concentrate on the safety and features when you're looking for a compact bed. But don't forget the aesthetics. A well-designed cot will make your room appear bigger and less clutter-filled.

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight this model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the most simple flatpack to assemble.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional affordable cots but they still have all the comfort and safety features your baby deserves. They can be used from birth, or until your toddler is old enough to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a chic couch bed for older children.

Choose a model that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled when you need to make room for other baby items. 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 benches into one piece of furniture.

Our list of cots for small children and cribs has a range of sizes, so there is something for every space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup have an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

When choosing a cot, it is essential to determine the size of your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before purchasing. The gap between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.

Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which takes an average 120 x 60cm mattress, and comes with a beautiful sleigh-style frame. It's designed to last, with a solid construction with high-quality materials, and is simple to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. It is more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you will need to purchase a separate mattress.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is another ideal choice for a smaller nursery. 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. The mattress is included, however a second one will be needed to help with the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Choose a small cot with a comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep comfortably. They are more firm than standard cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep.

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

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

When selecting a crib bed with a cushioned mattress it is essential to verify the size of the mattress as well as whether it will fit inside the cot's base. You should also determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when buying a cot mattress like the minimum thickness.

If you're in search of an cot that can grow with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It's a cot which converts to a toddler bed. This will save you the expense of buying an additional bed for your child once they are ready.

The simple setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came out of the box and folded like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot then collapses on itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also light and compact and can easily fit into a bag that's slightly bigger than a camp chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.

The cot is extremely comfortable, despite being larger than other models from our tried-and tested collection. It's designed to feel as an actual mattress and has plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb weight without making your Baby Cot Bed feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy, stable option for both back and side sleepers, but the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your baby it is essential to ensure that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to comply with. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into an infant bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the correct size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide a safe sleep for your little one. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. It could pose a suffocation hazard if it is soft, old, or damaged. Examine the mattress to determine if it springs back quickly after pressing. A good quality mattress for affordable cots should feel firm and flat when you press down on the middle of it.

Keep the cot clear of any toys, stickers and other items that could pose a choking risk. It is essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If your cot is equipped with drop-sides, make sure you check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.

Do not place your cot near the heat source or a window that is sunny. It could become too warm or awake with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords on wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these, and older children could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.

This cot is definitely worth the extra money for those who want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to put together but the directions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not cheap cot beds, but it will last your child into their toddler years.

Design

When looking for a compact cot bed, you need to remember that you're likely investing in something that will last for years. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a short period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from birth until a child is able to easily transition into the toddler or single bed. Look for a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure that it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your baby grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.

Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take sections of cot bars. This will provide your child with a sense of independence when they begin to play and will make it easier for them to get into and out of the bed. To make it even more flexible Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a comfortable sofa by taking the front off of the bed.

The slatted design of many cots is an excellent choice for small spaces, in addition, it assists to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and help ensure that your baby gets a good sleep.

A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby’s security and sleeping habits. It's also an excellent addition to any nursery. With so many options to choose from, it's worth taking the time to explore the wide range of cots and cot beds that are available at Cuckooland to find the style that is suitable for your needs.

For each cot, there's an array of accessories, including soft duvets and high-end bedding. This allows you to create an inviting and comfortable environment for your baby, making sure they are getting the best cot bed quality sleep possible.