Buying Small Cot Beds

When looking for a small cot bed it’s easy to get caught up in the spec and safety features but consider the aesthetics too. A well-designed cot will make your room appear bigger and less clutter-filled.

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight This model is an excellent option for smaller bedrooms. It’s the easiest flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are a smaller versions of traditional cots, however, they still offer all the comfort and safety features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to an adult bed around the age of 2. Some models can be converted into a stylish couch bed for older kids.

Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in the event that you need to store other baby things. You may also want to think about a compact cot bed that has built-in storage or an all-purpose design that incorporates an armoire as well as a changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

You can find a wide selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup which means that whether you have a tiny nursery or a large playroom, there’s a bed that will meet your needs. A lot of the cribs on our list have an adjustable mattress which makes it easier to keep your baby’s bedding tidy and clean.

It is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery prior to purchasing a crib. You should also look at the space between the bars since this should not be more than 6.5cm to ensure safety.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has a beautiful sleigh style frame. It is constructed to last using high-quality materials and a sturdy structure. It is also easy to adapt to your child’s growing needs. It’s more expensive than the other cribs on our list, and you will need to purchase 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’s stuffed with extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your child grows, and it’s incredibly easy to put together. The mattress is included, but another one will be required for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Select a cot that is small and has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep comfortably. These mattresses are more rigid than the traditional cot mattress but are soft enough to ensure your baby gets a good night sleep.

The cushioning of these mattresses also helps to prevent heat retention, which may cause discomfort to some babies. The materials used in the mattress are also free of chemicals and irritants to ensure they don’t cause irritation to your baby’s delicate skin.

Typically, these types of mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for the neck, head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot’s built-in cradling system, which many parents find to be helpful for reflux and colic.

It is important to measure the mattress size and ensure that it can fit into the base of the cot before purchasing a small cot. Find out if the cot mattress has any specific rules or regulations, like a minimum thickness.

If you’re looking for an cot that can grow with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It’s a cot which converts to a toddler bed. This can save you the expense of buying a new bed for your child once they are ready.

The easy-to-use setup of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace said that it “came from the box and folded like the back of a camping chair”. The middle joints snap into place, and the cot folds into itself, with no complicated mechanisms to deal with. It’s also compact and lightweight, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents’ homes.

The cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than other models from our tried-and tested range. It’s made to feel like an actual mattress and has plenty of padding and a springy base that can absorb the weight, but not making your baby feel like they’re bouncing around in the bouncer. It’s a solid, stable option for back and side sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers could be a bit uncomfortable with it.

Safety

It’s vital to ensure that the cot you choose is safe for your child. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it’s converted into an infant bed. Also, make sure it’s the right size for your nursery and has enough space for a secure sleeping environment for your child. It should be 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure the mattress is firm and laid flat in the cot. If it’s soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Examine for any sagging areas that could pose a danger, and test to see how the mattress springs back after pressing on it. A high-quality mattress for cots should be firm and flat when you press down on the centre of it.

Make sure the cot is free of toys, stickers and other items that could be a choking danger. It’s important that babies can be able to move around freely and rotate during sleep. If your crib has a drop-side, inspect it regularly 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 in case they become too hot or wake up with a sunburn. Keep the cot far away from cords that hang on wall-mounted curtains and baby monitor cables and other decorative items that have long cords. Babies can be strangled by these, and older children may climb up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.

For Scandi style and a high-quality finish the cot is worth the investment over the cheaper alternatives. The instructions are clear and the wood is solid. It takes a while to put together. It’s not expensive, but it will last your child until they reach the age of toddlers.

Design

It is important to remember that you are likely investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a small bed. Unlike cribs which are used for a limited period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to easily transition into the toddler or single bed. To ensure the cot you’re buying will last, look out for a design with adjustable base heights. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your child grows, ensuring they stay safe and comfortable for longer.

A great design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This is an excellent way to give your little one a feeling of independence once they start toddle, and will assist them in and out of their bed with ease. Some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be converted into a sofa by removing the front.

The slatted style of many cribs is a good option for a small space too, as it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby’s temperature. This is a significant difference in comfort and can make all the difference in trying to ensure your baby gets an adequate night’s rest.

A compact cot, also known as a the 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 options to pick from, it’s worth the effort to browse the full selection of cots and cots that are available at Cuckooland to find the style that suits you.

You’ll also find that an array of accessories, including baby bumpers, soft duvets, and top quality bed linen, are available for every cot to complete the look. This makes it easy to put together a cosy and comfortable environment for your baby to enjoy the best sleep possible, and ensures they’re enjoying every aspect of their new home.