Buying Small Cot Beds

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

Stroller-style and extremely light this model is a good option for smaller bedrooms. It's the most recommended cribs simple flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots that still provide all the safety and comfort features that your baby needs. They can be used from the time of birth or until your toddler is old enough to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a chic couch bed to use with older kids.

Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to make space for other baby items. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that includes a changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seats into one piece of furniture.

Our roundup of small cheap cots and cribs features a range of sizes, so there's something to suit every space. A majority of the designs on our list have a fitted 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. The distance between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is for safety purposes.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has a beautiful sleigh style frame. It's designed to last, with a solid construction with high-quality materials, and is simple to adjust as your baby grows. It is more expensive than other cots we've reviewed, and you'll have to purchase a separate mattress.

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

Comfort

Choose a small cot with an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. They are designed to be firmer than a traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your child will have a good night's rest.

The mattress's cushioning helps in preventing heat retention, which may cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used to make the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals to ensure they don't cause irritation to your baby's delicate skin.

These mattresses are a good option for side and back sleepers, since they provide adequate support for neck, head and body. They can be used together with the built-in cradle that comes with a cot, which can be helpful for colic or reflux.

It is essential to determine the mattress's size and make sure that it fits in the base of the cheap cot bed prior purchasing a small cot. You should also determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when purchasing the mattress for a cot, such as the minimum thickness.

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

The simple setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and folded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap in place and the cot then collapses into itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It is also compact and light, fitting into a carry case that is larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents home.

This cot is extremely comfortable despite being bigger than the other models in our tried and tested line-up. It's designed to feel as an actual mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb weight without making your baby feel like they're in the bouncer. It's a solid, stable alternative for back and side 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's essential to verify that a cot bed meets the UK standards it claims to meet. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into an infant bed. Make sure it's appropriate for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to be safe. It should be at minimum 140cm x 70cm and there shouldn't be any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. It could pose an entrapment hazard if it is soft, old, or damaged. Look for any areas of sagging which could be hazardous and test how the mattress springs back when pressing down on it. A good quality cot mattress should feel firm and lie flat when you press it down on the middle of it.

Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and other things that could be a choking danger. It's essential that babies move around freely and roll over as they sleep. If your crib has a drop side be sure to check it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

Avoid placing the cot next to a radiator or a window that is sunny. They could get too warm or awake with sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains as well as baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. Cords that are strangled by babies and older children might reach out to grab cot bars 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. It's a bit laborious to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood feels solid. It's not expensive, but it'll keep your child safe through their toddler years and look great in any nursery.

Design

It is important to remember that you are likely investing in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Unlike cribs which are used for a limited period of time, cots and beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to safely transition to the toddler or single bed. Choose a cot with an adjustable height base to ensure that it will last. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's in height to suit your baby's growth, keeping them secure and comfortable.

A great design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This is an excellent way to provide your baby a sense of independence once they begin playing, and can aid them in getting into and out of their bed quickly. For more flexibility, some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a cozy sofa by removing the front of the bed.

Many cots feature slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This makes a large difference in comfort, and could make all the difference when trying to ensure that your child gets an adequate night's rest.

A cot-sized or small bed is a great investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an excellent addition to any nursery setting. Cuckooland offers a variety of beds and cots to choose from.

There's also various accessories, including baby bumpers, soft duvets, and premium bed linen, are available for every crib sets to make it look more complete. This makes it easy to create a warm and warm environment for your baby to get the best sleep possible and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.