Buying Small Cot Beds

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

This model is perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's also the easiest flatpack to assemble.

Space-saving

Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots, however, they still offer all the comfort and safety features your baby requires. 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 can be turned into a chic couch bed to use with older kids.

Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and reassembled in the event that you need to store other baby things. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multifunctional design that includes a changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.

You can find a wide selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that no matter if you have a small nursery or a large playroom, there's a bed that will suit your space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup include a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

When selecting a cot, it is important to measure the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to make sure it will fit before purchasing. It is also important to 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, which takes the standard 120x60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame in the sleigh style. It is constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also simple to adapt to your child's changing requirements. However, it's a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately in the event you opt for this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a compact nursery, and it's our pick of the best cots uk value cots. It's loaded with extra features such as teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's development. It is also super easy to assemble. The mattress is included, but a second one will be needed to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

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

The cushioning on these mattresses can also help to reduce heat retention, which can cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are not irritants, chemicals and other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.

These mattresses are a great alternative for back and side sleepers, since they provide excellent support for the neck, head and body. These mattresses can be used together with the built-in cradle in a cot, which can be beneficial for reflux or colic.

It is important to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot before buying a cot that is small. It is also possible to determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations to adhere to when purchasing mattresses for cots, such as the minimum thickness.

This adaptable design by Vox is a great choice for parents who are looking for an cot that can grow with their child. It's initially a cot and then converts into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to purchase a new bed when your baby is ready to use it.

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

The cot is extremely comfortable despite being bigger than other models from our tried and tested collection. It is designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a soft bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel like they're in the bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could have a problem 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 meet. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to transform it into a toddler's bed. Verify that it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Examine the mattress to determine whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress it should feel solid.

Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and other things that could be a choking danger. Babies should be able move freely and roll over during their sleep, so it's also important that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that could be used as footholds to climb out. If your cot features a drop-side, check it regularly to make sure the mechanism is secure.

Do not place a cot next to a radiator or a bright window. It could become too warm or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot away from cords on wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other accessories with long cords. Babies can be strangled by these cords, and older babies could climb up 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 rated cots quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to put together, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap however it will last your child right into their toddler years and will look stunning in any nursery.

Design

When looking for a compact cot bed, it's crucial to remember that you're purchasing something that will last for years. In contrast to cribs that are used only for a short period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from the time the time a child is old enough to safely transition to a toddler or kids single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable base height to ensure it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's in height as your child grows, making sure they are safe and comfortable for longer.

Another design element to look for is the ability to take sections of the cot bars. This will give your child an impression of independence once they begin to play and will make it easier for them to get into and out of bed. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.

Many cots have slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a significant difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby has an enjoyable sleep.

A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment in your baby's safety and sleeping habits. It's also an excellent addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of online cots and beds for you to choose from.

You'll also find that an array of accessories, like baby bumpers, soft duvets, and high-end bed linen are available for each cot to complete the look. This makes it easy to create a warm and comfortable environment for your baby to enjoy the best sleep possible and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.