How The 10 Worst Small Cot Beds FAILS Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented

Buying Small Cot Beds

When looking for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up on the specifications and safety features but consider the design too. A well-designed bed can make a small room appear larger and less cluttered.

Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight this model is a great option for smaller bedrooms. It's also the easiest flatpack to put together.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots but still provide all the safety and comfort features your baby deserves. They are suitable from birth, or until your toddler is ready to move up to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be turned into a chic couch bed to use with older children.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled and reassembled in case you want to store other baby items. You may also want to think about a compact cot bed with built-in storage, or a multi-functional design that combines the drawers of a chest, changing unit and bench seats into one piece of furniture.

Our selection of small cots and cribs has a range of sizes, meaning there's something for every space. A majority of the designs that we have listed come with mattresses that are fitted which helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.

When choosing a cot, it is important to take measurements of the space in your nursery and check the dimensions to make sure it will fit before you purchase. You should also look at 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, that can accommodate the standard 120x60cm mattress and features a gorgeous frame that resembles a sleigh. It's built to last, with a sturdy construction and quality materials, and it's easy to adjust as your baby grows. It's however a more expensive option than the other cots on our list and you'll need to purchase a mattress separately in the event you opt for this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a smaller nursery and is our choice of the most value-for-money cot. It's stuffed with extra features including teething rails and two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's incredibly easy to put together. The mattress is included, however an additional one is required for the toddler conversion.

Comfort

Choose a small cot with an easy mattress. This will allow your baby to sleep comfortably. They are designed to be a bit firmer than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough that your child will get an enjoyable night's sleep.

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

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

When selecting a crib bed with a cushioned mattress, it's important to check the dimensions of the mattress and whether it will fit into the base of the cot. You can also find out whether there are any specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when purchasing the mattress for a cot including the minimum thickness.

If you're looking for a cot bed that can expand with your child, then consider this adaptable design from Vox. It is a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed. This can save you the expense of purchasing an additional bed for your child once they are ready.

The user-friendly setup of this cot was praised by our panel. Mum Grace noted that it "came from the box and unfolded just like the back of a camping chair". The middle joints snap into place and the cot folds up without a complicated mechanism to deal with. It's also compact and lightweight and can easily fit into a bag slightly bigger than a camp chair's case. It's ideal for taking it to grandparents' houses.

The cot is extremely comfortable despite its size being higher than other models from our tried-and-tested line-up. It's made to feel like an actual mattress and has plenty of padding and a bouncy base that can absorb the weight but doesn't make your child feel like they're in the bouncer.  tots and cots 's also a solid stable and safe option for back and side sleepers however the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might struggle with it.

Safety

It is essential to ensure that the cot bed you select is safe for your baby. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it's converted into a toddler bed. It is also important to ensure that it's the right size for your nursery and has enough space for a secure sleep for your little one. It should be 140cm x 70cm and should not have gaps around the edges or corners.

Make sure that the mattress is level and firm. If it's old, soft or damaged, this can cause suffocation. Examine for any areas of sagging which could be hazardous and test how quickly the mattress will spring back after pressing it. A good quality mattress for cots should be firm and flat when you press it down on the middle of it.

Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges and other items that could be a choking danger. Babies should be able move around easily and roll throughout their sleep, which is why it's essential that the cot does not have raised corner posts or cut-outs that they could use as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop-side, inspect it regularly to ensure that the mechanism is locked securely.

It's important to avoid placing a cot close to an open window or a radiator, as they could get too hot or awake with 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. These cords can strangle babies, and older children could reach out to grab bars from the cot or even pull themselves up.

This cot is worth the extra expense if you want the Scandi style and a top quality finish. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood is sturdy. It takes a while to assemble. It's not cheap, but it'll last until their toddler years and look fantastic in any nursery.

Design

When looking for a compact cot bed, it's important to keep in mind that you're purchasing an item that will last for a long time. In contrast to cribs that are used only for a brief period of time, cots and cot beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to safely transition into a toddler or a single bed. Find a cot that has an adjustable height base to ensure it will last. This feature allows you to lower the mattress in height as your child grows, helping them stay secure and comfortable for a longer time.

Another design element to keep an eye out for is the capability to remove sections of cot bars. This will provide your child with a sense of independence when they begin to crawl and will make it easier to help them get into and out of the bed. To make it even more flexible the cot beds such as the Leander Luna Baby Cot can also be converted into a comfortable sofa by taking the front off of the bed.

Many cots come with slatted designs that are perfect for smaller spaces as they allow air to circulate and regulate the temperature of your baby. This can make a significant difference in terms of comfort and will ensure that your baby enjoys a restful night.

A small cot, or bed for cots, is a fantastic investment for your baby's security and sleep habits. It can also be a lovely addition to any nursery. With so many options to pick from, it's always worth the effort to browse the full selection of cots and cots that are available at Cuckooland to find a style that's perfect for you.

For each crib, you'll find various accessories like soft duvets, plus premium bed linen. This makes it easy to put together a cosy and welcoming environment for your baby to get the best sleep possible and ensures that they are enjoying every aspect of their new home.