Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to focus on the safety features and specifications when looking for a smaller bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed cot will make your room appear bigger and less clutter-filled.

This model is perfect 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 still offer all the security and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used from the time of birth, or until your toddler is able to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a stylish couch bed for older kids.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and reassembled when you need to store other baby things. You may also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage or an all-purpose design that incorporates an armoire with a changing table and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

There's a broad range of sizes in our cots that are small and cribs roundup which means that whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's something to suit your space. A lot of the cribs on our list come with an adjustable mattress, which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.

It's important that you measure the space available in your nursery before purchasing a crib. You should also look at the gap between the bars as this needs to be no greater than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which takes an average 120 x 60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It's designed to last, with a sturdy construction and quality materials, and it's simple to adjust as your child grows. It is more expensive than other recommended cribs on our list, and you'll have to buy a mattress separately.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another fantastic option for a compact nursery, and it's our pick of the most value-for-money cots. It has a lot of extra features that include teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. It's also easy to put together. It includes a mattress, but you'll need to buy a second for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Pick a small cot that has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep comfortably. These are designed to be more firm than a traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your child will have a good night's rest.

The mattresses are cushioned to help prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used on the mattress are free of chemicals and irritants so that they won't disturb your baby's sensitive skin.

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

It is crucial to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it will fit in the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. You can also find out if there are any other specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when purchasing mattresses for best cots, such as the minimum thickness.

If you're looking for a cot bed that can expand with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It's initially a cot and then converts into an infant bed, saving you from having to buy another bed when your baby is ready to use it.

The simple setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and unfolded just like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down without a complicated mechanism to handle. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting this cot to grandparents' homes.

Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It's designed to feel as a mattress with plenty of padding and a springy base that absorbs the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have a problem with it.

Safety

For your Baby Crib's safety, it is essential to ensure whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to comply with. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to convert it into a toddler's bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the right size for your nursery and has enough space for a secure sleep for your baby. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is firm and sits flat in the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Check for any sagging areas that could pose a danger and test how quickly the mattress springs back when pressing on it. A good quality mattress for cots should be firm and flat when you press down on the centre of it.

Keep the cot clear of any toys, stickers and other items that could be a danger to choking. Babies must be able to move around easily and roll throughout their sleep, which is why it's also important that the cot doesn't have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop side, inspect it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.

Do not place your cot near a radiator or a sunny window. They could get too warm or awake with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from wall mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can be strangled by these cords, while older babies could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.

This cot is well worth the extra cost for those who want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood is solid. It takes a while to put together. It's not expensive, but it will last through their toddler years.

Design

When shopping for a small cot bed, you need to remember that you're purchasing a long-term piece of furniture. Unlike cribs which are used only for a short period of time, cots and beds are suitable from the time the time when a child can easily transition into a toddler or kids single bed. To ensure that the cot you buy will last, look for a design with adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you lower the mattress height as your child grows, ensuring they stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.

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

The slatted style of many cribs is a good option for a small space in addition, it assists air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and can help ensure that your baby has a good sleep.

A small cot or bed is a great investment for your baby's sleep habits and security, and is an attractive accessory to any nursery. With so many options to choose from, it's worth taking the time to look through the entire selection of cots and cot beds available at Cuckooland to find a style that is suitable for your needs.

There's also a range of accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets made of top quality bed linen, are available for every crib to make it look more complete. This makes it simple to put together a cosy and welcoming environment for your baby to get the best cot newborn possible rest and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.