Buying small cot beds (click through the next article)

It's easy to focus on the safety and spec features when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget about the aesthetics. A well-designed cot will make the space appear larger and less clutter-filled.

Stroller-style and extremely light this model is an excellent option for smaller bedrooms. It's the easiest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional best cots uk that still provide all the security and comfort features your baby deserves. They can be used from birth, or until your toddler is old enough to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models convert into an elegant sofa bed to use with older children as well.

Find a product that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled when you need to make room for other baby items. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multifunctional design that incorporates the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a 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 huge playroom there's something to suit your space. Many of the designs featured in our roundup have a fitted bed, which makes it easier to keep your child's bed neat and tidy.

When you are choosing a cot it is important to take measurements of the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to make sure it will fit before purchasing. The gap between the bars shouldn't be more than 6.5cm. This is for safety reasons.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which accommodates a 120x60cm standard mattress and has stunning sleigh-style frames. It's built to last, with a solid construction and quality materials, and is easy to alter as your baby cots on sale grows. It's more expensive than other cribs on our list, and you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is another excellent option for a small nursery. It's stuffed with extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it's super-easy to put together. The mattress is included, however a second one is required to help with the toddler conversion.

Comfort

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

They are cushioned to help prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort in 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 kinds of mattresses are also a good 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 with the cot's built in cradling, which parents have found to be beneficial for reflux and colic.

When selecting a cot bed with cushions it is essential to verify the size of the mattress and if it will fit into the base of the cot. You can also find out whether there are any specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when purchasing a cot mattress like the minimum thickness.

This adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents who want an cot that can grow with their child. It is a cot that transforms into a toddler bed. This will save you the expense of buying an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.

Our panel of testers enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a camp chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds up without a complicated mechanism to handle. It's also compact and lightweight and can easily fit into a carry bag that's slightly larger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to grandparents' homes.

This cot is extremely comfortable despite being bigger than other models in our tried-and tested collection. It's made to feel like an actual mattress, with plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's a sturdy, stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.

Safety

For your baby's safety, it is essential to ensure that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to convert it into a toddler's bed. Check that it is the right size for the nursery and is big enough for your child to sleep safely. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and have no gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can create a risk of suffocation. Examine for any sagging areas that could be dangerous and test how quickly the mattress springs back after pressing it. When you press down on the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it should feel firm.

Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and anything else that could cause choking. It's essential that babies move around freely and roll over during sleep. If your crib has a drop-side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

Do not put the cot next to the heat source or a sunny window. They could get too warm or wake up with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from wall mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and other accessories with long cords. Babies can be strangled by these, and older children may get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.

For Scandi style and a top-quality finish, this cot is worth the extra investment over the cheaper alternatives. It's not the easiest to put together but the directions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not cheap but it will last through their toddler years.

Design

It's important to keep in mind that you're likely to invest in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a small bed. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a short period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from birth until the time when a child can safely transition to a toddler or a single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress's in height to suit your baby's growth, keeping them secure and comfortable.

Another design element to keep an eye for is the ability to remove sections of cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your child a sense of independence when they begin to playing, and can help them get in and out of their bed easily. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa simply by removing the front.

Many cots come with 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 huge difference when it comes to comfort, and can make the difference to ensure that your child gets a restful night's sleep.

A small cot or cot bed is a fantastic investment in your baby's sleeping habits and safety, and can be an attractive accessory to any nursery cots. Cuckooland has a wide range of beds and affordable cots to pick from.

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