Buying small cot beds - Read the Full Post,

When looking for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features, but take into account the aesthetic too. A well-designed cot will make a room feel bigger and less clutter-filled.

This model is perfect for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's light and stroller-style. It's the most simple flatpack assembly.

Space-saving

Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, however they still provide all the safety and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used from birth, or until your toddler is able to transition to a junior bed (around the age of 2). Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed for use with older children, too.

Look for a model which can be easily dismantled, then reassembled when you need to store other baby things. You may also want to consider a compact cot bed with built-in storage or an all-purpose design that incorporates the drawers of a chest with a changing table and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.

There is a wide selection of sizes in our small cot beds and cribs roundup, so no matter if you have a small nursery or a large playroom, there should be something to meet your needs. Many of the designs featured in our roundup come with an adjustable bed, making it easier to keep your child's bedding neat and tidy.

When you are choosing a cot it is essential to take measurements of the space in your nursery and verify the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate before purchasing. The gap between the bars should not be greater than 6.5cm. This is to ensure safety.

Silver Cross Nostalgia is a cot which can accommodate a 120 x 60cm standard mattress and has stunning sleigh-style frames. It's built to last, with a sturdy build and quality materials, and is easy to alter as your baby grows. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed, and you'll need to buy a separate mattress if you choose this model.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a small nursery, and it's our pick of the most value-for-money cots. It's loaded with extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your Baby beds grows, and it's super-easy to put together. The mattress is included, but an additional one will be required to accommodate the toddler transition.

Comfort

Pick a small cot that has a comfortable mattress. This will help your baby sleep comfortably. They are more firm than the traditional cot mattress, but soft enough to ensure that your child has a comfortable night's rest.

The mattress's cushioning also helps to prevent heat retention, which can cause discomfort for some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemical to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's sensitive skin.

These mattresses are a good alternative for back and side sleepers, as they offer adequate support for the neck, head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built-in cradling feature, which many parents find to be beneficial for reflux and colic.

It is essential to determine the mattress's size and make sure that it fits in the base of the cot prior buying a cot that is small. You can also find out whether there are specific rules and regulations you need to adhere to when purchasing a cot mattress, such as the minimum thickness.

This adaptable design by Vox is a great choice for parents looking for a cot that grows with their child. It is a cot that transforms into an infant bed. This will save you the expense of purchasing an entirely new bed for your child once they are ready.

The easy-to-use configuration of this cot was highly praised by our panel. Mum Grace said 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 into itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and lightweight, fitting into a carry case that's slightly larger than the case of the camp chair. This makes it ideal for transporting the cot to grandparents home.

This cot is extremely comfortable, despite being larger than other models in our tried and tested range. It's made to feel like a 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 side and back sleepers. Senior editor Nick Belcaster did note that stomach sleepers may have a problem with it.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your baby it is essential to ensure whether the cot bed you choose to use meets the UK standards it claims to comply with. Check for the BS EN 716 code, or BS 8509 if it converts into an infant bed. You should also check that it's the right size for your nursery and has enough space to provide a safe sleep for your little one. 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 lies flat inside the cot. It could be dangerous to suffocate when it is squishy, old, or damaged. Check for any sagging areas that could pose a danger and test how the mattress springs back when pressing down on it. A good quality mattress for cots should feel solid and flat when you press down on its centre.

Make sure the cot is free of toys, smudges, and anything else which could pose a choking risk. Babies must be able to move freely and roll over in their sleep, so it's also important that the cot does not have raised corners or cut-outs could be used as footholds to climb out. If your crib has a drop-side, inspect it regularly to ensure the mechanism locks securely.

Do not place a cot next to the heat source or a sunny window. It is possible that they will become too hot or wake up with sunburn. Also, keep your cot away from cords for curtain rods that hang from the wall, baby cots on sale monitor cables and decorative accessories that have long cords. Babies can get caught by these cords, while older children could climb up on them or reach out to grab the cot bars.

For Scandi style and a high-quality finish, this cot is worth the cost over the cheaper alternatives. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood is solid. It takes time to assemble. It's not expensive, but it will last your child through their toddler years.

Design

It's important to consider that you are likely investing in furniture that will last a long time when you shop for a small bed. In contrast to cribs that are used only for a brief period of time, cots and beds are suitable from the time the time when a child can safely transition to a toddler or kids single bed. To ensure the cot you buy will last, look for a model that has adjustable heights for the base. This feature allows you to lower the mattress height as your baby grows, making sure they are secure and comfortable for a longer time.

Another useful design feature to keep an eye out for is the ability to take off sections of the cot bars. This is an excellent way to provide your little one a feeling of independence once they begin walking around, and can aid them in getting into and out of their bed quickly. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by taking out the front.

The slatted style of many cots is a great option for small spaces, too, as it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This is a significant difference in comfort, and can make all the difference when trying to ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep.

A small cot, or cot-bed, is a great investment in your baby's security and sleeping habits. It's also an excellent addition to any nursery. With so many designs available to choose from, it's always worth the effort to browse the full selection of cots and beds that are available at Cuckooland to find a style that's perfect for you.

You'll also find that a range of accessories, such as baby bumpers and soft duvets with top quality bed linen, are available for each cot to complete the look. This makes it easy to create a cozy and comfortable environment for your baby's to get the best quality sleep, and ensures they're enjoying every aspect of their new home.