Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to concentrate on the safety and features when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can make smaller rooms appear larger and less clutter-filled.

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight, this model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still have all the safety and comfort features that your baby deserves. They can be used from birth, or until your toddler is able 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.

To help you make the most of your space, choose an item that is compatible with your existing furniture in the bedroom, or one that you can easily take apart and reassemble when you want to make room for other baby things. It is also possible to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage or an all-purpose design that incorporates the drawers of a chest, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

Our roundup of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, meaning there's something to suit every space. A majority of the designs on our list come with a fitted mattress that helps keep your Baby Cot's bedding tidy and clean.

When you are choosing a cot it is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to ensure it will fit before you purchase. You should also look at the gap between the bars as this should not be greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which takes the standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It's designed to last, with a sturdy build with high-quality materials, and is easy to adjust as your baby grows. However, it's a more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll need to buy a separate mattress if you choose this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a compact nursery, and it's our pick for the best crib newborn value cots. It's loaded with extra features, including teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to suit the growth of your baby. It's also easy to assemble. The mattress is included, but an additional one is required for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

As a parent you want your baby to have an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment and one of the most beneficial options to help them get an excellent night's rest is to choose a small cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. These are designed to be firmer than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your child will have a good night's rest.

These mattresses are cushioned to help prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants, chemicals and other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.

These mattresses are a great alternative for back and side sleepers, as they offer good support for the neck, head and body. These mattresses can be utilized together with the built-in cradle of the cot, which is beneficial for reflux or colic.

It is crucial to measure the mattress size and ensure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior to purchasing a small cot. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, like the minimum thickness.

If you're in search of an cot that can adapt to your child's needs, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It is a cot that transforms into an infant cot bed bed. This saves you the expense of purchasing an entirely new bed for your child when they are ready.

The user-friendly setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and folded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot then collapses into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also small and light, fitting in the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot from grandparents at their homes.

Despite being larger than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot feels incredibly comfortable. It's made to feel like an actual mattress with 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 solid and stable choice for back and side sleepers however the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.

Safety

It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose is safe for your child. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into a toddler bed. Check that it is appropriate for the nursery and has enough space 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 that the mattress is flat and firm. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Test the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress it should feel firm.

Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and anything else that could be a choking hazard. Babies should be able to move freely and roll over throughout their sleep, which is why it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot features drop-sides, be sure to check them often to ensure that the mechanism is secure.

Do not place your cot near a radiator or a window that is sunny. They could get too warm or wake up with sunburn. You should also keep the cot clear of cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children may reach out to grab bars for their cot or pull themselves up.

This cot is worth the extra expense If you're looking for a Scandi-style and a high quality finish. The instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It takes some time to assemble. It's not cheap but it will last your child through their toddler years.

Design

When shopping for a small infant cot bed bed, it's important to keep in mind that you're purchasing something that will last for years. In contrast to cribs that are used for a limited period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from the time the time a child is old enough to easily transition into a toddler or a single bed. To ensure the cot you buy will last, look for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you lower the mattress height as your baby grows, making sure they are in a safe and comfortable position for longer.

Another design element to look out for is the ability to take off sections of the cot bars. 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 bed. For even greater flexibility the cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cozy sofa by taking the front off of the bed.

The slatted design of a lot of cots is a great option for a small space also, since it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby enjoys a restful night.

A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment for 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 cots to choose from.

There's also an array of accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets made of high-end bed linen are available for each crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to create a cozy and welcoming environment for your baby to enjoy the best sleep possible and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.