Buying Small Cot Beds

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

Stroller-style and extremely light this model is a great choice for smaller bedrooms. It's also the most simple flatpack to assemble.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, however, they still offer all the comfort and safety features your baby deserves. They can be used from the time of birth, or until your toddler is old enough to transition to 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 the right model that will fit with your existing bedroom furniture or one that you can easily dismantle and reassemble when you want to make room for other baby objects. You might also want to think about a compact cot bed with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines a chest of drawers, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

Our selection of small cots and cribs features a range of sizes, so there is something to suit every space. Many of the designs on our list have an adjustable mattress which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

It is crucial to measure the space available in your nursery prior to purchasing a cot. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars, as it should not be greater than 6.5cm to ensure safety.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a crib that can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has an elegant sleigh-style frame. It's built to last, with a sturdy construction and high-quality materials, and it's easy to alter as your baby grows. However, it's a much more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed and you'll have to purchase a mattress if you choose this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the best value cot, is another ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's packed full of 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 too. The mattress is included, however another one will be required to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

As a parent, you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment and one of the most beneficial options to help them get an adequate night's sleep is to pick a smaller cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. They are more firm than the traditional cot mattress however they are soft enough to ensure your child gets a good night sleep.

The mattress's cushioning helps in preventing heat retention, which can cause discomfort for certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemical so that they won't disturb your baby's delicate skin.

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

It is crucial to measure the size of the mattress and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior to buying a cot that is small. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, for instance the minimum thickness.

This adaptable design by Vox is a great option for parents looking for a cot that will grow with their child. It's a cot that converts to an infant bed. This can save you the expense of purchasing an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.

Our test panel was impressed by the simple setup of this cot The mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds into itself, with no complicated mechanisms to handle. It's also lightweight and compact and can easily fit into a bag slightly larger than a camp chair's case, and is ideal for taking it to grandparents' houses.

This cot is extremely comfy, despite being larger than the 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 a bouncer. It's also a solid stable and safe option for back and side sleepers though senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.

Safety

It is essential to make sure that the cot bed you select is safe for your child. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into an infant bed. You should also check that it's the correct size for your nursery and offers enough space for a secure sleep for your little one. It should be 140cm by 70cm, and not have any gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is flat and firm. It could be an entrapment hazard when it is squishy or worn out. Check for any sagging areas that could pose a danger, and test to see how quickly the mattress will spring back after pressing down on it. When you press on the middle of a good quality cot-mattress, it should feel firm.

Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other things that could be a choking risk. It's essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If your crib has a drop-side check it frequently to ensure the mechanism locks securely.

It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot next to an open window or a radiator, as they could get too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Also, keep the cot clear of cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, and older children could pull themselves up on them or reach out to grab the bars of the cot.

For Scandi style and a high-quality finish This cot is well worth the extra investment over cheaper alternatives. The instructions are clear, and the wood feels solid. It takes some time to put together. It's not cheap cot bed but it'll last your child right into their toddler years and look fantastic in any nursery.

Design

When you're looking for a small cot bed, it's crucial to keep in mind that you're investing in a long-term piece of furniture. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a brief period of time, cots can be used 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 crib you buy will last, search for a model with adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you lower the mattress height as your baby grows, ensuring they stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.

A useful design feature is the ability to remove the cot bars into sections. This will give your child a sense of independence when they begin to play and will make it easier to help them get into and out of bed. For even greater flexibility, some cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can be transformed into a cosy sofa simply by taking the front off of the bed.

Many cots come with slatted designs that are perfect 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 could make all the difference when trying to ensure that your child gets an adequate night's rest.

A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby’s security and sleeping habits. It's also a lovely addition to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds for you to choose from.

There's also various accessories, like baby bumpers and soft duvets with premium bed linen, are available for each cot to complete the look. This makes it simple to create a warm and welcoming environment for your baby to enjoy the best baby cots quality sleep and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.