When shopping for a small cot bed it's easy to get caught up on the spec and safety features, but you should also consider the design too. A well-designed bed can help make the small space appear bigger and less overwhelmed.Stroller-style and surprisingly lightweight, this model is a good option for bedrooms with smaller spaces. It's also the most simple flatpack to put together.
Space-saving
Cot beds are smaller versions of traditional cots, but still have all the security and comfort features your baby requires. They can be used until your toddler is ready to move on to a junior bed at the age of 2. Some models can be converted into an elegant sofa bed for use with older children too.
Choose a model that can be easily dismantled and rebuilt in case you want to make space for other baby items. You may also want to consider a cot that is compact bed with built-in storage or an all-purpose design that incorporates a chest of drawers with a changing table and bench seat into a single piece of furniture.
There's a broad range of sizes in our cots that are small and cribs roundup, so regardless of whether you have a tiny nursery or a spacious playroom there's something to fit your space. A majority of the designs that we have listed come with a fitted mattress that helps keep your baby's bedding tidy and clean.
When you are choosing a cot it is essential to determine the size of your nursery and verify 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 for safety reasons.
Our real moms loved the Silver Cross Nostalgia cot, which takes an average 120x60cm mattress and is fitted with a gorgeous sleigh-style frame. It's built to last, with a sturdy construction and quality materials, and is simple to adjust to your baby's needs as they grow. It's however a more expensive option than some of the other cots we've reviewed and you'll have to buy a separate mattress if you choose this model.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a great option for a smaller nursery and it's our pick of the best value cot. It's loaded with extra features including teething rails, as well as two height positions that can be adjusted as your baby grows, and it's super-easy to put together. The mattress is included, but an additional one is required for the toddler conversion.
Comfort
As a parent, you want your child to enjoy an enjoyable, safe sleeping environment. One of the best options to help them get an excellent night's rest is to select a small crib bed with a comfortable mattress. These are designed to be more firm than traditional cot mattresses but still soft enough to ensure that your baby will enjoy the rest of the night.
The mattresses are cushioned to prevent the accumulation of heat that can cause discomfort in some babies. The materials used in the mattress are free of irritants and chemicals to ensure that they don't irritate your baby's sensitive skin.
Typically, these mattresses are also a good option for back and side sleepers, as they provide great support for neck as well as the head and body. They can also be used in conjunction with the cot's built in cradling, which many parents find to be helpful in cases of reflux and colic.
When selecting a crib bed with a cushioned mattress it is essential to verify the size of the mattress and if it can be placed inside the cot's base. Find out if the mattress is subject to any specific rules or regulations, like the minimum thickness.
If you're in search of an cot bed that will expand with your child and be able to adapt, you should consider this design from Vox. It is a cot that can be converted into an infant bed. This can save you the expense of purchasing an additional bed for your child once they are ready.
Our test panel enjoyed the cot's simple setup, with mum tester Grace noting that it "came out of the box and unfolded like a chair for camping". The middle joints snap in place, and the cot folds over itself. There are no complicated mechanisms required. It's also compact and Cots4Tots.Co.uk lightweight, fitting into the carry case, which is slightly larger than the case of a camp chair. This makes it perfect for transporting the cot to grandparents at their homes.
Despite being heavier than other models in our tried and tested line-up, this cot is incredibly comfortable. It's designed to be like a mattress, with plenty of padding and a bouncy bottom that can absorb the weight without making your child feel as if they're in a bouncer. It's also a sturdy and stable choice for back and side sleepers, though the senior editor Nick Belcaster noted that stomach sleepers might have trouble with it.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that the cot you choose is safe for your baby. You should look for the BS EN code or BS8509 if you want to transform it into a toddler's bed. You should also check that it's the correct size for your nursery and has enough room for a safe sleep for your baby. It should be at least 140cm x 70cm, and there shouldn't be gaps around the edges or corners.
Make sure the mattress is firm and sits flat inside the cot. If it's a bit soft, old or damaged, this can pose a suffocation risk. Examine the mattress to determine whether it springs back rapidly after pressing. A high-quality mattress for cots should feel solid and flat when you press down on its centre.
Keep the cot free of toys, stickers and other items that could be a danger to choking. Babies must be able to move freely and roll over during their sleep, so it's essential that the cot doesn't have raised corners or cut-outs they could use as footholds to climb out. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure you check it regularly to make sure the mechanism is secured.
It's important to avoid placing a cot close to the sun or a radiator in case they get too hot or awake with sunburn. Also, keep the cot away from wall mounted curtain cords, 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.
For Scandi style and a top-quality finish This cot is well worth the extra investment over the cheaper alternatives. The instructions are easy to follow and the wood feels sturdy. It takes a while to assemble. It's not cheap however it will last until their toddler years and will look stunning in any nursery.
Design
When looking for a compact cot bed, it's important to keep in mind that you're purchasing something that will last for years. Unlike cribs which are used only for a short period of time, cots or cot beds are suitable from birth until the time a child is old enough to easily transition into a toddler or kids single bed. To ensure that the cot you're buying will last, look out for a model with adjustable heights for the base. This feature lets you to lower the mattress's in height to suit your baby's development, ensuring they are secure and comfortable.
A great design feature is the capability to remove cot bars in sections. This will give your child an impression of independence once they start to toddle and will make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. Some crib beds, like the Leander Luna Baby Cot, can be transformed into a sofa by taking out the front.
The slatted design of a lot of cots is a great option for a small space also, since it helps air circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. This can make a huge difference in comfort and can make the difference to ensure that your child gets a restful night's sleep.
A cot-sized or small bed is a fantastic investment in your baby's sleeping habits and security, and is an excellent accessory to any nursery. Cuckooland offers a variety of cots and beds to choose from.
You'll also find that various accessories, including baby bumpers and soft duvets with top quality bed linen, are available for each cot to complete the look. This will allow you to create a a welcoming and cosy environment for your child, ensuring they get the best rest possible. 
