Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to concentrate on the safety and spec features when shopping for a small bed. But don't forget the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less cluttered.

This model is perfect for bedrooms with small spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still offer all the security and comfort features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready for a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a stylish sofa bed for older children.

To help you maximize your space, look for the right model that will fit with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that can easily take apart and reassemble if you want to put in other baby objects. Consider a cot-bed that is compact with built-in storage or a multi-functional design that combines the changing unit, chest of drawers and bench seat in one piece of furniture.

There is a wide selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there's something to meet your needs. A lot of the cribs on our list come with a fitted mattress which makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding clean and tidy.

It's important that you take measurements of the space in your nursery before purchasing a crib. The distance between the bars should be no more than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.

Our real mothers loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which takes a standard 120x60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last with quality materials and sturdy construction. It's also simple to adapt to your child's increasing needs. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll need to buy a separate mattress when you pick this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which we consider to be the most value cot, is another ideal choice for a smaller nursery. It's loaded with extra features that include teething rails. There are also two height positions that can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's growth. It is also super easy to put together. The mattress is included, however another one is required to help with the toddler conversion.

Comfort

As a parent, you want your child to have a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the best things you can do to help them get an excellent night's rest is to choose a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are more rigid than the traditional cot mattress however they are soft enough to ensure that your child gets a good night's rest.

These mattresses are cushioned to prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants, chemicals and other substances that could cause irritation to the skin of your baby's.

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

It is crucial to measure the mattress size and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. You should also determine whether there are any specific rules and regulations you need to follow when purchasing mattresses for cots including the minimum thickness.

If you're looking for an cot bed that will expand with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It's initially an cot, but it can be converted into an infant bed, saving you from the expense of buying a new bed when your baby is ready for it.

The easy-to-use configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came out of the box and unfolded just like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds up without a complicated mechanism to deal with. It's also compact and lightweight and fits neatly into a bag slightly bigger than a camp chair's case and ideal for taking it to grandparents' homes.

Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and tested range, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a springy base that carries weight without making your baby feel like they're in the bouncer. It's also a solid, stable option for both back and side sleepers but the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.

Safety

It is crucial to make sure that the cot you select is safe for your child. Look for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to convert it into a toddler's bed. You should also check that it's the right size for your nursery and offers enough room for a safe sleep for your baby. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is firm and laid flat in the cot. It could pose an entrapment hazard in the event that it is soft or old, or damaged. Examine for any sagging areas that could be dangerous and test how the mattress springs back when pressing on it. When you press on the middle of a quality cot-mattress, it will feel firm.

Make sure the cot sales is free of toys, stickers, and anything else which could be a danger to choking. It is essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate as they sleep. If your cot features a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.

Do not place the cot next to a radiator or a sunny window. They could get too hot or awake with sunburn. It is also important to keep your cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall, baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. Babies could be strangled by these, and older children could get themselves caught on them or reach out to grab the bars for the cot.

This cot is definitely worth the extra money for those who want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. It's a bit laborious to put together, but the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not expensive but it'll keep your child safe through their toddler years and look fantastic in any nursery.

Design

When shopping for a small cot bed, it's important to remember that you're investing in a long-term piece of furniture. Contrary to cribs that are only used for a brief period of time, cots and tots can be used from the time a child is born until they are able to easily transition to a toddler bed or kids single bed. To ensure that the crib you purchase will last, look for a model with adjustable base heights. This feature allows you lower the mattress height to fit your baby's growth, keeping them secure and comfortable.

Another design element to look out for is the capability to take sections of the cot bars. This is an excellent way to give your child a sense of independence when they begin to walking around, and can aid them in getting into and out of their bed quickly. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by taking out the front.

Many cots come with slatted designs which are ideal for smaller spaces, since they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby gets a good sleep.

A small cot, or the sale cot-bed, is an excellent investment for your baby's safety and sleeping habits. It's also an excellent addition to any nursery. With so many designs available to choose from, it's worth taking the time to browse the full selection of cots and cots on offer at Cuckooland to find one that's perfect for you.

For each cot, you'll find an array of accessories like soft duvets and high-end bed linen. This makes it simple to create a cozy and welcoming environment for your baby to enjoy the best quality sleep and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.