Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to focus on the safety and spec features when looking for a smaller bed. But don't forget the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less overwhelmed.

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight this model is a great option for smaller bedrooms. It's also the easiest flatpack to put together.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still have all the safety and comfort features your baby needs. 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 turned into a chic couch bed for older children.

To make the most of your space, look for the right model that will fit with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that can easily disassemble and reassemble when you need to accommodate other baby objects. You might also want to think about a compact cot bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines an armoire, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

There's a broad range of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that whether you have a tiny nursery or a huge playroom there's a bed that will suit your space. A lot of the cribs on our list come with a fitted mattress that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

It is crucial to measure the space available in your nursery prior to purchasing a crib. You should also look at the gap between the bars as it should not be more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, that can accommodate an average 120x60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous frame in the sleigh style. It's built to last, with high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It is also easy to adapt to your baby's growing needs. However, it's a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately when you pick this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot which we believe to be the best cot beds value cot, is another great option for a compact nursery. It's packed full of extra features including teething rails as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together. The mattress is included, however a second one will be needed for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Choose a small cot with an easy mattress. This will allow your baby to rest comfortably. They are more firm than traditional cot mattresses however they are soft enough to ensure your child gets a good night sleep.

The cushioning of these mattresses helps in preventing heat retention, which may cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of allergens chemical compounds and other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.

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

If you are considering a cot bed with cushions it is important to determine the dimensions of the mattress as well as whether it can be placed inside the base of the cot. Find out if the mattress has any particular rules or regulations, such as a minimum thickness.

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

The easy-to-use configuration of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it "came out of the box and was unfolded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds down, with no complicated mechanisms to work with. It's also compact and light, fitting in the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot to grandparents' homes.

This cot is extremely comfortable, despite being larger than other models from our tried and tested collection. It's made to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that absorbs the weight, but not making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might have issues with it.

Safety

It's vital to ensure that the cot bed you select is safe for your baby. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into an infant cot bed bed. Also, make sure it's the right size for your nursery and has enough room for a safe sleeping environment for your child. It should be 140cm x 70cm and should not have gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure the mattress is flat and firm. If it's old, soft or damaged, it could cause suffocation. Examine the mattress to determine whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A good quality cot mattress should feel firm and flat when you press down on its centre.

Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and other items that could pose a choke hazard. It's essential that babies move around freely and roll over as they sleep. If your cot is equipped with a drop-side, check it often to ensure that the mechanism is secure.

It's important to avoid placing a cot near an open window or a radiator, as they could get too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. The cords could strangle infants, and older children could reach out to grab bars for their cot or even pull themselves up.

This cot is definitely worth the extra expense for those who want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. The instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It takes a while to put together. It's not cheap cots but it will last until they reach the age of toddlers.

Design

It's important to remember that you're likely to invest in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. Contrary to cribs that are designed for a short period of time, cots are suitable from the moment a baby is born until they're able to easily transition to the toddler bed or single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress in height as your child grows, making sure they are secure and comfortable for a longer time.

Another important feature to look out for is the capability to take off sections of the cot bars. This will provide your child with an impression of independence once they begin to crawl and will make it easier for them to get into and out of bed. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.

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

A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby’s safety and sleeping habits. It can also be a lovely addition to any nursery. With so many styles to pick from, it's always worth the effort to browse the full selection of cots and beds that are available at Cuckooland to find one that suits you.

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