Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to get caught up in the safety and features when you're looking for a compact bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less clutter-filled.

This model is ideal for bedrooms with small spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but they still have all the comfort and safety features your baby deserves. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models can be transformed into a stylish couch bed for older kids.

To make the most of your space, choose an item that is compatible with the furniture in your bedroom, or one that you can easily dismantle and reassemble when you need to accommodate other baby items. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that incorporates the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.

There is a wide range of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's a bed that will fit your space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup include a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.

It is crucial to take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to buying a crib. Also, you should consider the space between the bars since this needs to be no more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot that can accommodate the standard 120 x 60cm mattress, and features a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It's built to last with a solid construction and high-quality materials, and it's easy to alter as your child grows. It's more expensive than the other cots in our list and you'll have to buy a separate mattress.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a smaller nursery and is our choice of the best cots for newborns value cots. It's loaded with extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's development. It is also super easy to put together. The mattress is included, however an additional one is required to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

Select a cot that is small and has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby rest comfortably. They are more firm than the traditional cot mattress but are soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night's rest.

These mattresses are cushioned to reduce the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are also free of irritants and chemical to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's delicate skin.

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

It is essential to determine the mattress size and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior buying a cot that is small. Find out if the cot mattress has any particular rules or regulations, such as a minimum thickness.

The adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who are looking for a cot that grows with their child. It's a cot which converts to an infant bed. This saves 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 an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot collapses into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also light and compact and fits neatly into a carry bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.

Despite being heavier than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's made to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that absorbs weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have a problem with it.

Safety

It is essential to make sure that the cot bed you pick is safe for your baby. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. Also, make sure it's the correct size for your nursery and offers enough space to provide a safe sleep for your baby. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat in the cot. It could pose a suffocation hazard in the event that it is soft, old, or damaged. Examine the mattress to determine whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. When you press on the middle of a quality cot-mattress it should feel solid.

Keep the cot free of toys, stickers, and anything else which could cause choking. It's important that babies can be able to move around freely and rotate during sleep. If your cot has a drop-side, check it regularly to make sure the mechanism is secured.

Do not put the cot next to an open radiator or a sunny window. It could become too hot or awake with sunburn. Also, keep the cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, and older children could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.

For Scandi style and a high-quality finish, this cot is worth the investment over cheaper alternatives. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood is solid. It takes some time to put together. It's not cheap baby cots for sale, but it will last into their toddler years.

Design

It is important to keep in mind that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Contrary to cribs that are used only for a short period of time, cots are suitable from the time a child is born until they're able to easily transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. To ensure that the cot you buy will last, look out for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you lower the mattress in height to suit your baby's development, ensuring they are safe and comfortable.

Another design element to keep an eye for is the ability to remove sections of cot bars. This will provide your child with the feeling of independence as they begin to play and make it easier for them to get into and out of the bed. To make it even more flexible, some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cozy sofa by removing the front of the bed.

The slatted design of many cots is an excellent choice for small spaces, also, since it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a significant difference in terms of comfort and can help 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'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 online cots and cot beds available at Cuckooland to find the style that is suitable for your needs.

There's also various accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets made of top quality bed linen, are available for each cot to complete the look. This allows you to create a welcoming and cosy environment for your baby, ensuring they are getting the best quality sleep possible.