Buying Small Cot Beds

It's easy to get caught up in the safety features and specifications when shopping for a small bed. However, don't forget to consider the aesthetics. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less clutter-filled.

This model is perfect for bedrooms with smaller 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 provide all the safety and comfort features that your baby deserves. They can be used from the time of birth, or until your toddler is able to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be turned into a stylish sofa bed to use with older kids.

Find a product that can be easily dismantled, then reassembled when you need to make room for other baby items. It is also possible to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or an all-purpose design that incorporates the drawers of a chest as well as a changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

There is a wide selection of sizes in our cots for small spaces and cribs roundup and, therefore, no matter if you have a small nursery or a huge playroom there should be something to meet your needs. Many of the designs that we have listed come with a fitted mattress which helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

When you are choosing a cot it's important to take measurements of the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to ensure it's suitable before making your purchase. Also, you should consider the gap between the bars, as this should not be more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.

Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot which takes a standard 120x60cm mattress and comes with a beautiful frame that resembles a sleigh. It is built to last with quality materials and a sturdy construction. It's also easy to adapt to your baby's increasing requirements. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to purchase a mattress when you pick this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the most affordable cots. It's packed full of additional features like teething rails as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows. It's also incredibly simple to put together too. The mattress is included, but an additional one will be needed to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

As a parent, you want your child to enjoy a comfortable, safe sleeping environment. One of the most beneficial options to ensure they get an adequate night's sleep is to pick a smaller cot bed with a comfy mattress. These are designed to be a bit firmer than the traditional cot mattress but still soft enough that your child will get an enjoyable night's sleep.

These mattresses are cushioned to reduce the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's delicate skin.

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

It is crucial to measure the mattress size and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot prior purchasing a small cot. It is also possible to determine if there are any other specific rules and regulations to adhere to when buying a cot mattress including the minimum thickness.

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

The simple configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace stated that it "came from the box and was unfolded like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds into itself without a complicated mechanism to handle. It's also lightweight and compact, fitting neatly into a carry bag that's smaller than a camping chair's case. It's ideal for transporting to the grandparents' homes.

This cot is extremely comfy despite being bigger than other models in our tried-and tested line-up. It's designed to feel like a mattress with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that absorbs the weight, without making your child feel as if they're in a bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers might be a bit uncomfortable with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your baby, it's essential to verify whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to comply with. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 when you're looking to transform it into a toddler's bed. Verify that it's appropriate for the nursery and is big enough for your child to rest comfortably. It should be at minimum 140cm by 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is firm and laid flat inside the cot. If it's soft, old or damaged, it could pose a suffocation risk. Examine for any sagging areas that could be dangerous, and test to see how the mattress will spring back after pressing on it. If you press the middle of a good quality cot-mattress it should feel firm.


Make sure the cot is free of any toys, stickers and anything else that could pose a choke risk. It's essential that babies be able to move around freely and rotate during sleep. If online cots features a drop-side, check it frequently to ensure that the mechanism locks securely.

It's important to avoid placing a cot close to the sun or a radiator, as they could become too hot or get sunburned upon waking up. Keep the cot far away from cords on wall mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. These cords can strangle babies and older children may reach out to grab cot bars or pull themselves up.

For Scandi style and a high-quality finish, this cot is worth the extra investment over other cheaper options. It's not the easiest to assemble however the instructions are clear and the wood feels sturdy. It's not expensive however it will keep your child safe through their toddler years and will look stunning in any nursery.

Design

It's important to keep in mind that you're likely to invest in long-term furniture when shopping for a small bed. Contrary to cribs, which are utilized only for a short period of time, cots and beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to safely transition into the toddler or single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable base height to ensure that it will last. This feature lets you lower the mattress's in height as your child grows, helping them stay safe and comfortable for longer.

Another important feature to keep an eye out for is the capability to take sections of the cot bars. This will give your child a sense of independence when they begin to play and will make it easier for them to 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 cozy sofa by removing the front of the bed.

Many cots feature slatted designs that are perfect for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your infant. This can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and will ensure that your baby gets a good sleep.

A cot-sized or small bed is a great investment for your baby's sleep habits and security, and is a beautiful addition to any nursery setting. Cuckooland has a wide range of cots and beds to choose from.

For each crib, you'll find an array of accessories like soft duvets and high-end bed linen. This makes it easy to create a warm and comfortable environment for your baby to get the best quality sleep and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.