Buying Small Cot Beds

When shopping for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features but consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can help make a small room appear larger and less overwhelmed.

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

Space-saving

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

To help you maximize your space, choose a model that fits in with your existing furniture in the bedroom or one that can easily disassemble and reassemble when you need to make room for other baby objects. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multifunctional design that combines the changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seat in one piece of furniture.

You can find a wide selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that no matter if you have a small nursery or a large playroom, there's a bed that will fit your space. A majority of the designs on our list have an adjustable mattress that makes it easier to keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

When selecting a cot, it's important to measure the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to ensure it's suitable before purchasing. It is also important to consider the space between the bars since this needs to be no more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.

Our real mums loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which takes an average 120 x 60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame in the sleigh style. It's designed to last, with a solid construction and high-quality materials, and it's simple to adjust as your baby grows. It's more expensive than other cots in our list and you'll have to buy a separate mattress.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that we believe to be the most value cot, is another great option for a compact nursery. It has a lot of extra features, including teething rails. There are also two height positions that can be adjusted to fit the growth of your baby. It is also super easy to assemble. The mattress is included, but an additional one is required to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

As a parent you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleep environment and one of the most beneficial options to help them get an excellent night's rest is to select a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but are still soft enough so that your baby will enjoy the rest of the night.

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

Typically, these mattresses are also a good choice for side and back sleepers since they provide excellent support for the neck as well as the head and body. They can be used together with the built-in cradle in a cot, which is beneficial for reflux or colic.

When choosing a small cot bed with a cushioned mattress, it's important to check the dimensions of the mattress as well as whether it can be placed inside the base of the cot for sale. Find out if the mattress has any specific rules or regulations, such as a minimum thickness.

This adaptable design by Vox is a great choice for parents who want a cot that grows with their child. It's initially a cot but can later be transformed into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from the expense of buying an entirely new bed once your baby is ready to use it.

The simple configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came out of the box and was unfolded like an outdoor chair". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds over itself. No complicated mechanisms are required. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the 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 extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that absorbs the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's a stable, solid option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may be a bit uncomfortable 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 comply with. Check for the BS EN code or BS8509 in case you're planning to transform it into a toddler's bed. Verify that it's the correct size for your nursery and provides enough space for your child to rest comfortably. 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 level and firm. It could be dangerous to suffocate in the event that it is soft or old, or damaged. Examine the mattress to determine whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots should feel firm and flat when you press it down on the middle of it.

Keep the cot free of any toys, stickers and other things that could pose a choke hazard. It's important that babies can move freely and turn over during sleep. If your crib has a drop-side check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

It's also a good idea to avoid placing a cot close to the sun or a radiator in case they become too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Also, keep the cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall or baby monitor cables, as well as decorative accessories with long cords. Babies could be strangled 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 top-quality finish This cot is well worth the cost over cheaper alternatives. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels solid. It takes time to put together. It's not expensive, but it'll last until their toddler years and will look fantastic in any nursery.

Design

It's important to consider that you'll be investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a bed that is small. Unlike cribs, which are designed for a short period of time, cots 4 tots are suitable from the time a child is born until they can easily transition to an adult bed or a single bed. To ensure the cot you buy will last, search for a model with adjustable base heights. This feature lets you lower the mattress in height to suit your baby's development, ensuring they are safe and comfy.

Another design element to keep an eye out for is the ability to take off sections of the cot bars. This will provide your child with the feeling of independence as they begin to crawl and make it easier to help them get into and out of bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by removing the front.

Many cots 4 tots feature slatted designs that are ideal for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a big difference in the quality of sleep and help ensure that your baby gets a restful night.

A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment for your baby’s security and sleeping habits. It's also a lovely addition to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of beds and cots to pick from.

There's also various accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets with top quality bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This makes it easy to create a warm and comfortable environment for your baby to get the best quality sleep, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.