Buying Small Cot Beds

When you are looking for a compact Cot Bed (more tips here), it's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but take into account the aesthetics too. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less cluttered.

This model is perfect for bedrooms with small spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's also the simplest flatpack to put together.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still offer all the security and comfort features your baby deserves. They can be used from the time of birth, or until your toddler is ready to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be transformed into a stylish sofa bed to use with older kids.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to make space for other baby items. You might also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage, or multi-functional designs that combine a chest of drawers with a changing table and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

Our roundup of small best cots uk and cribs beds has a range of sizes, meaning there's something to suit every space. A lot of the designs in our roundup have a fitted bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

When choosing a cot, it's important to measure the space in your nursery. You should also check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate before you purchase. It is also important to consider the gap between the bars as this should not be more than 6.5cm for safety reasons.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot that takes a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has stunning sleigh-style frames. It's built to last with a sturdy construction and quality materials, and is simple to adjust as your child grows. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots we've reviewed and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately in the event you opt for this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is another great choice for a small nursery, and it's our pick for the most affordable cot. It has a lot of extra features that include teething rails. There are two height positions which can be adjusted to fit the baby's development. It is also super easy to assemble. The mattress is included, but an additional one will be needed to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

Pick a small cot that has an incredibly comfortable mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. These mattresses are more rigid than the traditional cot mattress, but soft enough to ensure your child gets a good night's rest.

The mattresses are cushioned to help prevent the retention of heat, which can cause discomfort in certain babies. The materials used on the mattress are also free of irritants and chemicals to ensure they don't cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin.

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

It is essential to determine the size of the mattress and ensure that it will fit in the base of the cot prior purchasing a small cot. You can also find out if there are any other specific rules and regulations to follow when purchasing the mattress for a cot like the minimum thickness.

This adaptable design from Vox is a great option for parents looking for an cot that can grow with their child. It starts out as an cot, but it can be converted into a toddler bed, thereby saving you from having to buy a new bed when your baby is ready for it.

Our panel of test participants enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and folded like a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot then collapses into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It is also compact and light, fitting in a carry case that is larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting this cot from grandparents at their homes.

Despite being bulkier than other models in our tried-and tested range, this cot is extremely comfortable. It's designed to feel as an actual mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy base that absorbs weight without making your baby feel like they're bouncing around in the bouncer. It's a solid, stable option for side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have issues with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your baby it's important to check that the cot bed is in compliance with the UK standards it claims to be compliant with. Look out for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into an infant bed. Verify that it's the right size for the nursery and has enough space for your child to rest comfortably. It should measure 140cm by 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is flat and firm. It can be dangerous to suffocate in the event that it is soft or old, or damaged. Check the mattress to see whether it bounces back quickly after pressing. A good quality mattress for cots should feel solid 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. Babies should be able to move easily and roll over during their sleep, so it's also important that the cot does not have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot features a drop-side, check it often to ensure that the mechanism is secured.

Do not place the cot next to the heat source or a sunny window. It could become too hot or wake up with sunburn. You should also keep the cot away from cords for curtains that are mounted on the wall as well as baby monitor cables and decorative accessories with long cords. The cords could strangle infants, and older children could reach out to grab bars from the cot or pull themselves up.

This cot is worth the extra expense for those who want an Scandi-style design and a high quality finish. It's a bit time-consuming to put together but the directions are clear and the wood is sturdy. It's not expensive but it'll last your child right into their toddler years and will look great in any nursery.

Design

When shopping for a small cot bed, it's crucial 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 beds are suitable from birth until a child is able to easily transition into a toddler or a single bed. To ensure the best cot bed you purchase will last, search for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you lower the mattress in height to suit your baby's development, ensuring they are secure and comfortable.

A useful design feature is the capability to remove the cot bars into sections. This will give your child the feeling of independence as they begin to crawl and make it easier to help them get into and out of the bed. To make it even more flexible, some cot beds, such as the Leander Luna baby cots on sale Cot can also be converted into a cozy sofa by taking the front off of the bed.

The slatted style of many cribs is a good option for a small space, also, since it helps to circulate air and regulate your baby's temperature. This makes a large difference in comfort, and can make all the difference in trying to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.

A small cot or cot bed is an excellent investment for your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an attractive accessory to any nursery. Cuckooland has a wide range of beds and cots to choose from.

For each cot, you'll find various accessories such as soft duvets, plus premium bedding. This makes it simple to create a warm and comfortable environment for your baby's to get the best cots for newborns quality sleep and ensures that they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.