Buying Small Cot Beds

When you are looking for a compact cot bed it's easy to get caught up on the specifications and safety features, but you should also consider the design too. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less cluttered.

This model is ideal for smaller bedrooms. It's lightweight and stroller-style. It's the simplest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are scaled down versions of traditional cots, however, they still offer all the comfort and safety features your baby needs. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed around the age of 2. Some models convert to a stylish sofa bed for use with older children as well.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to make room for other baby things. Think about a cot bed that is compact and has built-in storage or a multi-functional design that includes a changing unit with a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bench seat in one piece of furniture.

Our selection of small cots and cribs has a range of sizes, so there's something to fit in every space. A majority of the designs on our list have mattresses that are fitted that helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

It's important that you measure the space available in your nursery prior to purchasing a cot. The distance between the bars shouldn't be greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which can fit a standard 120 x 60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last, with a sturdy construction with high-quality materials, and it's easy to adjust as your baby grows. However, it's a more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed and you'll have to purchase a mattress separately in the event you opt for this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a compact nursery, and it's our pick of the most value-for-money cot. It comes with a variety of extra features that include teething rails. There are two height positions that can be adjusted to fit your baby's growth. It's also easy to put together. It includes a mattress however, you'll need an additional one to convert it into a toddler.

best cots for newborns

As a parent you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleep environment and one of the best ways to ensure they get an excellent night's rest is to pick a smaller cot bed that has a comfortable mattress. These mattresses are firmer than standard cot mattresses, but soft enough to ensure your baby gets a good night sleep.

They are cushioned to help prevent heat retention which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals, as well as other substances that can cause irritation to your baby's skin.

These mattresses are a great option 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 of a cot, which can be beneficial for reflux or colic.

It is essential to determine the mattress's size and make sure 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 to follow when purchasing mattresses for cots, such as the minimum thickness.

This adaptable design from Vox is a great choice for parents who want a cot that will grow with their child. It's a cot which can be converted into a toddler bed. This saves you the expense of purchasing an additional bed for your child once they are ready.

Our test panel loved this cot's easy setup The mom tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds down without a complicated mechanism to deal with. It's also lightweight and compact, fitting neatly into a bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case, and is ideal for transporting to grandparents' houses.

Despite being heavier than other models in our tried-and tested line-up, this cot feels extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel like an actual mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're in a bouncer. It's a stable, solid alternative for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might have issues with it.

Safety

It's vital to make sure that the cot you choose is safe for your child. You should look for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it transforms into a toddler bed. Verify that it's the right size for the nursery and provides enough space for your child to sleep safely. It should be 140cm x 70cm, and not have any gaps around the corners or edges.

Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. If it's soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Examine cots to tots to determine if it springs back quickly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should be firm and lie flat when you press down on its centre.


Keep the cot free of toys, smudges and other items that could pose a choking hazard. Babies should be able move freely and roll over 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 cot features drop-sides, be sure to check them often to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.

Do not place a cot next to an open radiator or a window that is sunny. It could become too warm or awake with sunburn. Make sure the cot is kept away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains, baby monitor cables, and decorative accessories that have long cords. These cords can strangle babies, and older children could reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a premium finish This cot is well worth the investment over other cheaper options. The instructions are clear, and the wood feels sturdy. It takes a while to put together. It's not cheap, but it will last into their toddler years.

Design

When looking for a compact cot bed, you need to remember that you're likely investing in an item that will last for a long time. Unlike cribs which are used for a limited period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to easily transition into a toddler or kids single bed. To ensure that the crib you're buying will last, search for a model that has adjustable base heights. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's height to accommodate your child's growth, keeping them safe and comfortable.

One of the most useful features of the design is the ability to take out the cot bars into sections. This will provide your child with a sense of independence when they start to toddle and will make it easier for them to get into and out of the bed. Some cribs, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by removing the front.

The slatted design of many cots is a great option for a small space in addition, it assists air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep and will ensure that your baby gets a good sleep.

A compact cot, also known as a bed for cots, is a fantastic investment in your baby's safety and sleeping habits. It can also be an excellent addition to any nursery. With so many styles to pick from, it's always worth the effort to look through the entire selection of cots and cot beds that are available at Cuckooland to find one that suits you.

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