When the time comes for your baby to transition from their bedside crib to their very own cot bed in their nursery, it can feel like a significant milestone. Naturally, you’ll want to ensure they’re comfortable, secure, and safe in the best cot bed for babies, so you can enjoy some peace of mind during this important change.
According to the safe sleep guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, babies should remain in a bedside crib in your bedroom for the first six months of their life. This is also around the time when many babies begin to lift themselves onto their hands and knees. We know this period goes by quickly, and before you know it, your baby will be ready to move into their own nursery and settle into their cot bed. That’s why many parents choose to buy their baby’s cot bed before birth, allowing one less thing to think about amid all the newborn feeds and nappy changes – you’ll definitely appreciate the forward thinking later on!
Cot beds differ from bedside cribs in several key ways, the most obvious being their size. Cot beds are significantly larger, designed to grow with your baby and last until they’re ready for their first toddler bed which is usually around their second birthday. It's also important to note the difference between a traditional cot and a cot bed. While a traditional cot needs to be replaced when your toddler outgrows it, a cot bed can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the side panels and lowering the base, extending its use and providing better value for money.
With so many options on the market, choosing the right cot bed for your baby can feel overwhelming. To make the process easier, we’ve worked with our team of real parent testers plus our expert parent writers to bring you a curated list of the best cot beds for babies to buy in 2025 to suit your family, with professional guidance and advice along the way from experts Sarah Ockwell Smith, author of The Gentle Sleep Book, and Emily McInnes, a paediatric nurse and sleep coach.
Best cots and cot beds at a glance
How we chose and tested the best cots and cot beds
We’ve selected the best cots and cot beds by combining in-depth feedback from our real-parent testers with the expertise from our team of parent writers. These are the products we would recommend, and in many cases, use ourselves for our own little ones.
To ensure the most thorough reviews, parents tested these cots over several months, evaluating everything from ease of assembly and design to comfort, support, and value for money. Our testers provided honest, firsthand feedback to help parents make the best choice based on their individual needs.
For instance, the Stokke Sleepi Bed V3 was a favourite among our mum-of-three tester for its safe design and premium materials, though it is on the pricier side, whereas the much more affordable Charlotte Cot Bed from John Lewis impressed parents on a budget. For smaller nursery spaces, the Coleby Scandi Classic Cot Bed with Under Drawer provided much-needed storage, while the stylish SnuzFino Cot Bed stood out for its blend of practicality and aesthetic appeal, earning high praise from our dad tester.
Many of these cots are still being tested by parents, and we’re always keeping an eye out for new products. We’ll continue to update this guide with fresh insights as we thoroughly vet and approve new recommendations based on real-world testing.
The best cots and cot beds 2025
As with most Stokke products, their Sleepi Bed V3 is a durable cot built to grow with your child from birth to around five years old. Made from sturdy beech wood with a non-toxic finish, it features an oval shape that creates a cocoon-like feel, helping your tot feel comfortable and safe. Our mum-of-three tester loved how comfy her tot was in this cot, commenting, "my son looks most comfortable in this cot, one of the main reasons for this is because it is spacious."
The cot offers four adjustable mattress heights and removable side rails for easy access and independence as your child grows. Mum tester Hannah loved the quality of the materials, "Our previous cot bed quickly looked tired and was covered in marks and chips, however this cot looks as it did when we first built it."
As with all cots, safety is paramount, so its open wooden bars to promote excellent air circulation, ensuring a safe and breathable environment are a welcome feature. With no sharp edges or corners, the Sleepi Bed combines safety, style, and functionality in the form of a very stylish looking cot.
And although our tester agrees it is on the pricier side, she does think the quality warrants the higher price tag. "There truly is nothing not to like about this product. It has been made to such a high quality," she said.
Read our full Stokke Sleepi Bed V3 review
Pros
- Wheels can be removed/ put on when required
- Open bars for good air circulation
- Made from premium non-toxic materials
- Designed to last from birth to five years
Cons
- Is on the pricier side so may be out of some budgets
- No mattress included
| Age: | birth - 5 years |
| Dimensions: | 141 x 74 x 87 cm |
| Weight: | 27.5kg |
- Space-saving design
- 4 mattress levels
- Curved edges
- Lockable swivel wheels
- Extra accessories available
- Wheels can be removed
Silver Cross is known for its luxury products, and the Westport Cot Bed is no different. With its mid-century minimalist design and chic oak finish, it looks stunning and will suit contemporary nurseries inspired by Scandi interiors. But it’s also functional and practical, with three heights for the mattress and the potential to transform it easily into a toddler bed so it can last from newborn to around 4 years old. The mattress isn’t included, but it is a standard size, and Silver Cross has a range of options if you want to buy it all together.
Our tester praised the sturdiness of the cot bed, noting that when her daughter shuffles around in bed, “it doesn't move with her, whereas our last one would rock slightly and occasionally knock against the wall”. With high sides and the three height options for the mattress, it's great for those with kids who might be tall enough to climb out. Our reviewer found this reassuring, commenting that “the sides of the cot are high enough that they come up to her armpits, not her waist, so when she leans on the side she isn't at risk of falling out”. However, some reviewers found that the high sides might make it harder for shorter people to reach down fully when the mattress is at its lowest level.
Read our full Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed review.
Pros
- Converts to a toddler bed so can last to around 4 years old
- Three mattress heights allow it to grow with your baby
- Space underneath is useful for storage in smaller spaces
- Sturdy for babies who move alot in the night
- Has higher sides which are good for taller babies once they start standing
Cons
- High sides meaning it isn't suitable for shorter parents
| Age: | Birth to four years |
| Assembled dimensions: | L144.5 x W75 x H102cm |
- Three base heights
- Grows with baby
- Solid oak feet
- Sturdy construction
The Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed won Gold in the Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket category in our 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
For a cot bed that stands the test of time, look no further than the Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed. A Gold award winner in the 2022 Mother&Baby awards, it’s still as popular as ever with parents. This cot bed will see you through from newborn to around 4 years old. The two mattress heights allow it to grow with your baby, so it can be raised when your baby is newborn, making it easier to place it into the cot. When they become more mobile, the lower setting makes it safer, so you don’t need to worry about them climbing out. Our testers also loved the added features, such as the useful drawer which mum tester Katrina pointed out “has a soft close function which is much better than some cheaper cots with drawers”. It also boasts hanging rails which are useful for hanging clothes, muslin cloths or blankets, while the anti-bite plastic strip along the top of the cot protects the top rails from teeth.
With an ample storage drawer, it's great for those with limited space or who want to keep their space neat and tidy. While it’s one of the more expensive options on our list, the high-quality craftsmanship and the fact that it converts into a toddler bed meant our reviewers felt it offered good value for money. Emma noted that “it will be passed down to younger siblings as it’s so sturdy and well made it will last through the years.” Some shorter mums did comment that they struggled to reach far enough to lower baby in the cot, with one mum saying, "I am only 5"3 and cannot place my baby down in her cot without a very slight drop."
Read our full Mamas & Papas Franklin Cot Bed review.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Three mattress heights
- Excellent sized storage drawer
- Soft-close drawer to not disturb baby
Cons
- May be too tall for shorter parents
| Age: | Cotbed suitable from birth to 18 months (approx.) in cot mode, 18 months to 4 years in bed mode. |
| Dimensions: | Cot Mode: 155cm x 75cm x 91cm Bed Mode: 155cm x 75cm x 51.5cm |
| Weight: | 22kg |
- Adjustable base heights and converts to day bed and toddler bed to last them up to 4 years and beyond
- Extra storage with soft close drawer under the cotbed
- Handy co-ordinating hanging rail
- Available in two colours
The Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is both elegant and practical, perfect for nurseries that have a classic theme. Designed in a full-size sleigh style, this cot bed is suitable from birth to around four years old and easily converts into a toddler bed, providing long-lasting value. The cot features three adjustable mattress height positions, with the top position ideal for easy access to your newborn, and the lower settings offering extra security as your baby begins to sit and stand. One mum tester couldn't recommend this cot enough, commenting, "I think this cot bed is really what every parent should have given its simple yet beautiful white design and flexibility across various child ages."
Built with safety in mind, the open slatted sides allow for easy monitoring of your little one as well as promoting air circulation to your sleeping baby and the teething rails help protect your child's delicate gums. Once your child is ready, the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, suitable for sleeping until the age of around four years old.
The Snowdon Classic also includes a matching under-drawer, perfect for storing baby essentials. On wheels for easy access, the drawer features silver handles, adding to the cot’s stylish design. This cot bed requires a 140 x 70cm mattress (sold separately) and provides a beautiful, practical solution for your growing child’s sleep needs. Another mum tester highlighted its sturdiness, commenting, "Great quality cot bed, very sturdy and can tell it will be durable."
Pros
- Great quality and designed to last from birth to four years
- Teething rails to protect baby's gums
- Classic and timeless design
Cons
- Drawer doesn't attach to the cot
| Age: | Birth to four years |
| Dimensions: | 91cm x W: 76cm x D: 154cm |
| Weight: |
- Full-size Sleigh style cot bed
- Suitable from birth to 4 years - turns into toddler bed
- Includes 3 height positions and teething
- Option to purchase with mattress
- Storage drawer with silver handles
If you're looking for something classic and sturdy in design, then the Obaby Stamford Sleigh Cot Bed may be just what you're looking for. It is a beautifully crafted piece of furniture, made from solid wood. "The best thing about this cot bed is the quality of the materials and the simple yet smart design," commented mum tester Michelle. "Due to the quality of materials, it is very heavy and therefore was too difficult to assemble alone (especially when having to look after a baby!)" she continued. It also easily converts from a cot to a toddler bed and by removing one or both sides, it can also transform into a daybed or sofa. Our parent testers loved how they didn't need to worry about upgrading to a toddler bed, with one mum commenting, "this product makes life easier because it has different heights meaning the product grows alongside your child."
The cot includes teething rails to provide extra protection for your baby’s gums during teething as well as a matching drawer for storage and a three-position adjustable mattress base that lowers as your baby grows. Mum Shannon loved this feature; "I love the drawer underneath this cot bed. It makes storing blankets and sheets for my baby a lot easier as they are close to hand. Perfect for a baby that suffers from reflux and can sometimes need sheets changing at 2 AM."
Read our full Obaby Stamford Cot Bed review
Pros
- Adjustable 3 position mattress height
- Transforms into a day bed or sofa as well as a toddler bed
- Includes matching under drawer for storage
- Classic and sturdy design using quality materials
Cons
- Doesn't include screw covers
- Very difficult to assemble alone due to weight
| Age: | Birth to four years |
| Dimensions: | 155 x 75.6 x 90.7 |
| Weight: | 20kg |
- Adjustable, three-position base height
- Converts into a toddler bed
- Full end panels with elegant curved, sleigh design
- Available in two colours
- Protective teething rails for delicate teeth & gums
- Stylish 70L capacity under drawer included for extra storage
The John Lewis Charlotte Cot Bed was awarded Silver for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
This solid pine Charlotte Cot Bed from John Lewis & Partners makes our best of list thanks to its high-quality build, its lovely design, its ability to convert into a toddler bed and three height adjustments. These features mean it should grow with your baby until they’re around four years old, offering great value for money. Although it's a much more affordable price than other cot beds on the market, it features all the must-have features including teething rails and toddler bed conversion. In the early months, the higher mattress height will allow you to easily reach your baby, while the lower settings make it safer when your baby is more mobile. Once they’re old enough to move into a toddler bed, the sides can be removed, and the included footboard added to make it into a bed.
Our testers noted that it was easy to put together, even for one person, that the space underneath is handy for storage, and that even though it doesn’t come with a mattress, its standard size means it's easy to buy sheets and a mattress. A teething rail feature on the sides protects the tops of the rail, though one of our testers felt it marked quite easily, so other areas might show wear after time.
Parents particularly liked the design of the cot bed, and our tester agreed, noting that “the design was very modern but also classic, meaning it can be used for generations - can be put up for other children and will still be trendy enough to have in a nursery”.
Read our full John Lewis Charlotte Cot Bed review.
Pros
- Easy to assemble in around 30 minutes
- Converts into toddler bed, so should last from birth to 4 years old
- Three mattress heights allow it to grow with your baby
- Comes with teething rails to protect the tops of the side rails
Cons
- One tester felt the paint came off easily
| Age: | Birth to four years |
| Dimensions: | 147 cm x 84 cm |
| Weight: | 23.1kg |
- Supplied with teething rails
- 3 mattress base positions
The CuddleCo Clara Cot Bed was a Silver winner for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket in our 2023 Mother&Baby Awards.
Our testers found that the Clara Cot Bed was very easy to assemble with simple yet effective instructions. The traditional design of the CuddleCo Clara cot bed is suited to classic nursery designs and is part of a range of furniture which has the added benefit of allowing you to buy matching pieces, including wardrobes, shelves and changing tables. But it’s not just beautiful, it’s also functional, boasting three mattress heights and the potential to turn it into a toddler bed so it can suit newborns up to children of five years old. Our reviewers appreciated this flexibility, with one mum saying “My child is now standing and having the lowest position means they can stand safely without trying to climb over the sides. Safety is a big concern of mine and had no concerns with this product whatsoever, I found it to be very sturdy and well built".
As it's built last, our reviewers found that the price was justified and offered good value for money, with tester mum, Laura, saying “I love that it turns into a toddler bed as this makes the price fully justifiable as this is going to last a long time”. The only thing that might put some parents off is the lack of storage space underneath, so it's worth bearing that in mind if your nursery is on the smaller side. The mattress is not included but is a standard size of 140 x 70cm, so it can be bought easily from most retailers.
Read our full CuddleCo Clara Cot Bed review.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Can convert into a toddler bed, so should last until your child is 5 years old
- Great for kids who can climb
Cons
- No space for storage under the bed, which may be an issue for smaller spaces
| Age: | From birth to five years |
| Dimensions: | 88 cm x 157 cm x 82 cm |
| Weight: | 39.6kg |
- Three colour options
- Designed to last years
- Features classic curvature with a modern contemporary aesthetic
- Matching wardrobe and changing unit available
If you don't have a lot of space, this compact and stylish Babymore Space Saver Cot is ideal for your home and comfy for your baby. Though it can only be used as a cot, it boasts several features that make it more versatile. This includes four mattress heights which one of our testers appreciated, noting that they could “set the bed base at the highest position so I don't have to bend over to pick up my little girl. I had a very sore back after giving birth, so having this space-saver cot has made my recovery easier." As your baby grows, you can lower the mattress height to create a safer sleep environment. It can also be moved around the room easily thanks to the wheels (though these can be left off if not needed), and our mum tester, Georgia, said: "The wheels are also handy, particularly if you have non-carpeted floors as it makes it incredibly easy to move around."
While it will last longer than a crib or bassinet and is suitable from birth to approximately 12 months, some parents felt it would be better if it could last a little longer. However, Georgia noted that "a friend’s 14-month-old baby test-drove it for us at the weekend, and it was definitely snug by that age, though their baby, who is already walking, showed no signs of being able to escape it."
While it may be limited in longevity, the Babymore Space Saver was still seen as a great, affordable option for those with limited space.
Read our full Babymore Space Saver Cot review.
Pros
- Four mattress heights to allow it to grow with your baby
- Two protective teething rails to keep teeth marks at bay
- The compact size means it's ideal for smaller bedrooms but still spacious enough to last up to 12 months
- Removable wheels give you the option to move the cot around or leave off if it can be stationary
- Budget-friendly and great value for money
Cons
- Only suitable for up to 12 months
| Age: | From birth to 12 months |
| Assembled dimensions: | 104 x D 55 x H 91 |
| Weight: | 12 kg |
- Compatible with all Babymore 100cm x 50cm mattress ranges (not included)
- Four adjustable bed base positions
- Removable Wheels, 2 lockable
- Protective teething rail on top of both sides
The Ickle Bubba Coleby Scandi Classic Cot Bed with under drawer blends both modern style with practical functionality, making it a fantastic value for money choice for growing families. Featuring rounded, dowel-shaped slats, it offers a sleek, contemporary look while making it easier to see and interact with your baby. Our mum tester highlighted that the slats "give the modern look and style" and allow for safer, toy-friendly hanging, unlike traditional wide slats.
We love that this cot bed grows with your child, converting into a toddler bed once they've outgrown their cot. It also comes with three adjustable mattress heights, making it easier to reach your baby and reducing any strain on your back. Our mum tester loved this feature, commenting, "the height can also be adjusted so you don’t have to bend all the way in to pick up the baby."
What sets this cot apart from the rest is the included under drawer which offers valuable extra storage, perfect for keeping baby essentials like sheets, swaddles, and muslins organised. "The drawer reaches the full depth of the cot," meaning you can store plenty while keeping the nursery tidy. It's equipped with castors for smooth opening and cut-out handles for ease of use.
Additionally, the teething rails protect your baby's gums, and the cot's easy-to-wipe design ensures hassle-free cleaning. All these features combine for great value, with our tester concluding, "the quality and style are fantastic."
Read our full Coleby Scandi Classic Cot Bed and Under Drawer review
Pros
- Under drawer storage is spacious
- Height adjustable making it easier to reach baby
- Easy to wipe clean
Cons
- A certain level of assembly is required
- Heavy to get upstairs
| Age: | Birth - 4 years |
| Dimensions: | 95 x 144 x 75cm |
| Weight: | 25kg |
- Striking Scandi-inspired two-tone design
- Rounded dowel shaped slats add an extra splash of style
- Converts to a toddler bed when baby outgrows the cot
- Comes with 3 mattress heights to adjust as baby grows
- Includes teething rails to protect the cot and baby’s gums
- Drawer adds some extra storage to your nursery
- Drawer has cut out handles for easy opening and closing
- Drawer fitted with castors to glide open with ease
- Easy wipe-clean design
10.
Obaby Evie Cot Bed
The Obaby Evie Cot Bed is a great choice for parents looking for a full matching nursery set looking for long-term value. Suitable from birth until approximately four years old, it features an adjustable, three-position base height that adapts to your baby's growth stages. Our Features and Reviews Editor shared, "It will grow with our son from birth until approximately four years old with an adjustable three-position base height," making it a practical investment. As your child transitions to toddlerhood, the sides can be easily removed, transforming the cot into a toddler bed for continued use.
Parents also get the option of adding an under drawer for some extra storage which is perfect for keeping baby essentials like sheets and toys within easy reach. This handy feature helps save space while keeping your nursery organised and tidy.
Our mum reviewer also highlighted how easy the cot was to assemble: “The cot bed was definitely the easiest to put together and came with just five pieces in total,” which adds to its convenience for busy parents. She was impressed by the durability, adaptable design, and stylish appearance.
Read our full Obaby Evie 3 Piece Room Set review
Pros
- Straightforward to build
- Option to buy with matching furniture
- Grows with your tot to 4 years old
Cons
- Under drawer to cot is sold separately
| Age: | birth until approx. 4 years old |
| Dimensions: | 147L x 77W x 91H cm |
| Weight: | 24.3kg |
- Cot bed has adjustable, three-position base height
- Cot bed side is removable to turn into a toddler bed
11.
Mokee Mini Cot
Best cot designed to fit next to your bed
MokeeWhile the Mokee Mini Cot is the size of a cot and promises all that a cot can do, it actually does convert into a cot bed without needing all the space a traditional cot bed requires, making it an excellent choice for parents who can't decide between a cot and cot bed.
Suitable from birth to 3 years as opposed to four like many other models, it's designed to be a cot that can fit into smaller rooms and also fit next to a parents bed too for those first months of baby's life.
The mattress can be adjusted an impressive nine heights depending on how big baby is and how tall parents are. It's also available in six different colours to suit your home perfectly and is made from 100% sustainably sourced, solid FSC-certified beechwood making it a good sustainable choice.
Read our full Mokee Mini Cot review
Pros
- Small sized cot to fit into small spaces
- Available in six colours
- Made using 100% sustainably sourced, solid FSC-certified beechwood
Cons
- Isn't suitable for kids over 3 years
| Dimensions: | W64 cm x L125cm x H84cm |
| Age: | Newborns and toddlers up to the age of 3 |
| Weight: | 14.74 kg |
- 7 mattress base positions
- Removable panel transforms cot into toddler bed
- 3 year warranty
- Mattress size: 120 cm x 60 cm
Best cot bed for sustainability
Snuzwww.mamasandpapas.com
The SnuzKot Skandi Cot Bed Natural is a super stylish and durable cot that can support your child for up to ten years. Designed by sleep specialists, you can choose from up to nine different colours from a Scandi-inspired colour palette to match your baby's nursery perfectly. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice design, doesn't damage easily," highlighting its long-lasting quality.
With three different mattress heights, the SnuzKot adapts as your baby grows, easily transitioning from a cot to a toddler bed and eventually to a junior bed with a separate extension kit making it a long-term investment for your child's sleep space. "We bought this for our first born back in 2021, it's been great... so we bought it for our second born this year, love it!" one tester shared.
Built to last, it's made using sustainably sourced wood with no use of MDF or veneer. It is also compatible with matching 2pc and 3pc furniture sets, allowing you to match your cot to your child's room.
Pros
- Made using sustainable materials
- Converts to a toddler bed for up to 4 years old with the additional junior bed extension option up to 10 years
- Three mattress heights
Cons
- Doesn't have any teething rails for gums
| Age: | Birth - 4 years |
| Dimensions: | W72 x L133 x H89 cm |
| Weight: | 32kg |
- From birth to 10 years (separate extension kit)
- No MDF or veneer
- Requires SnuzSurface SnuzKot Mattress (68 x 117cm)
- Three mattress base height settings
- Available in nine colours
13.
SnuzFino Cot Bed
With four colour choices, this stylish cot bed could suit any nursery, meaning it could grow with your child and also be passed on to other children, making it good value for money. Our tester was also impressed with the quality, suggesting that ‘the SnuzFino is sleek and stylish, and thanks to its solid construction, should stay as such throughout its lifespan”. For those who like to create a coordinating scheme, the range includes the SnuzFino Changing Unit and Wardrobe. Looks and aesthetics aside, it’s also a brilliantly practical option, with two height settings for the mattress, which will allow it to grow with your baby. With that in mind, the SnuzFino can take your baby from newborn to 18 months old.
After that point, you’ll need to have the Toddler Kit (sold separately), which should allow the bed to last until your child is four years old. The cot bed can be purchased separately if you don't want the toddler conversion kit, but given the price, it makes sense to opt for the kit, and our dad tester thought this was a great addition, commenting that “the toddler kit is a nice touch, with the fabric canopy offering a really cosy feel”. It's the unique design of the toddler kit which really sets the SnuzFino Cot Bed apart from its peers, creating a cocoon with the fabric canopy over the top.
The mattress is a standard size, so you could buy one from any retailer, but Snuz sells its own range of mattresses, which includes the Mother&Baby award-winning SnuzSurface Duo.
Read our full SnuzFino Cot Bed review.
Pros
- Solid construction and is easy to build
- Converts to toddler bed
- Contemporary style
Cons
- Toddler kit sold separately
| Age: | birth to approx. 4 years (separate toddler kit available) |
| Dimensions: | W153 x L74 x H88.5cm |
| Weight: | 31.5kg |
- Available in four colours
- Compatible with the SnuzSurface Mattress
- Coordinates with the SnuzFino Changing Unit and Wardrobe
- Two mattress heights in cot mode
- Requires self-assembly
How to choose the right cot or cot bed for your baby
Size: One of the key factors to consider is ensuring that your cot fits comfortably in your baby's nursery. Before making a purchase, be sure to compare the cot’s dimensions with the space in your room. While most cots typically measure around 140cm x 70cm, sizes can vary slightly, so it's essential to double-check all the dimensions to ensure a perfect fit.
Price: As with most furniture, cot beds can vary significantly in price, and your budget will likely play a key role in your decision. Cots tend to be more affordable than cot beds, and you can pick up an affordable cot for less than £100 – you'll not be able to use it for as many years though, as many of these are only safe up to 2 years. For more luxurious options, some cots and cot beds can cost over £1,000! Most parents settle somewhere in the middle between £250 and £500 for a good cot bed that'll grow with their little one. It's also important to consider how long you’ll be using the cot. If you plan to have multiple children and want a bed that will stand the test of time, investing in a higher-quality option might be worthwhile. Furthermore, many cots are now designed to grow with your baby, transitioning into a toddler bed and beyond, so it can be helpful to factor in the cost over its lifespan when assessing value.
Length of use: While traditional cots only tend to be suitable for newborns up to two-years old, cot beds can are designed to grow with your child from birth, with most suitable for kids up to four years old. Some even convertible into beds suitable for older kids, up to their teen years. It’s important to consider the longevity of the cot and how many years it’s built to last as your child continues to grow.
Ease of set up: Our parent testers particularly appreciated cots that could be easily assembled by just one person such as the CuddleCo Clara Cot Bed or the Mamas & Papas Franklin Cot Bed. On the other hand, many parents preferred cots that offered an optional assembly service with delivery, taking the stress out of putting the cot together themselves.
Extra features: Many of these cots come with additional features, such as under-cot storage drawers, wheels for easy mobility, and optional add-ons that allow the cot to adapt as your child grows. These thoughtful extras can make your cot even more functional and versatile over time.
Mattress: Whether you're going for a mattress that's the same brand as your cot or you're opting for a mattress from a different brand, it's important to make sure it will fit your cot with no gaps and that it's firm and flat for safe sleep. It's also important to buy a new mattress rather than a second-hand one as The Lullaby Trust say that research suggests an increased chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) when using a second-hand mattress from outside of the family home.
Cot and cot bed safety
When it comes to baby sleep, safety is the top priority. It's essential to ensure that any cot or cot bed you purchase meets UK safety standards. Be sure to check that the cot displays the BSEN716 code and look for the BSI number BS 1877-10:1997 to confirm its compliance with British safety regulations.
Other safety aspects to consider:
• The NHS recommends that the bars on a baby's cot must be smooth, securely fixed, and that the distance between each bar should not be more than 6.5cm so that baby's head or limbs cannot get trapped.
• According to the NCT, the distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the cot sides should be at least 50cm to prevent your baby from climbing out when they become more mobile.
• Many experts also recommend cots with bars on all four sides to allow better air circulation to your baby while they sleep.
• When shopping for a mattress that's going to be safe, make sure it's new, the right fit for the cot, firm, no thinner than 8cm and carries the BSI number BS 1877-10:2011+A1:2012.
Cot vs Cot bed
There are pros and cons to consider for both cot beds and cots that you might want to consider before making a purchase:
Cots
Pros:
• More affordable than cot beds
• Smaller in size compared to cot beds
• Can be more cost effective if you plan on having another child soon after the first
Cons:
• Don't have as long of a lifespan compared to cot beds
Cot bed
Pros:
• Removable sides allowing it to convert into a toddler bed
• Can be used twice as long as a cot
• Helps children transition to a big bed
Cons:
• Requires a mattress and bedding specifically designed for that model which could be costly
• Tends to be more expensive than a cot
• Requires more space compared to a cot
Cot and Cot bed FAQs
Why won't my baby sleep in a cot?
If your baby is struggling to settle in their cot, it may be because they've gotten used to sleeping in their Moses basket or even in your arms. As well as this, other development milestones can have an impact on their sleep, such as teething, growth spurts and illness.
According to Emily McInnes, this is very common so you're certainly not alone if your baby is refusing to settle in their cot. "We have to remember that a newborn baby is used to being right next to you for 9 months in the womb and then they have to adjust to life in the wider world. It is biologically normal and appropriate for a baby to want to be near their caregiver for cuddles and comfort. You are their safe space, and unfortunately, no cot will compare to your cuddles!" To help you through this transition, Emily offered Mother&Baby her tips on what you can do to support your little one to become more familiar with their cot.
This includes:
• Start to familiarise your baby with their cot for naps in the daytime. Provide them comfort, reassurance and touch throughout but aim to leave them in their sleep space.
• Try to incorporate some sleep associations such as white noise to help calm your baby and this can also help to create an association with that particular sound and sleep.
• You can put a piece of material such as a square of muslin cloth that smells of you in their crib whilst they fall asleep and then remove this in line with the safe sleep guidelines. The smell of you may help to settle them and provide reassurance.
• Rocking, patting and shushing are great techniques which you can do to support sleep in their cot.
Should a baby sleep in a cot straight away?
According to the NHS, for the first six months of a baby's life, they should sleep in a cot, crib or Moses basket in the same room as you for all sleep. The kind of cot you choose really depends on your budget, space and preference as a parent.
When should a baby move from a Moses basket or bedside cot to a cot?
Once they've passed the six-month mark, they can move into their larger cot or cot bed in their nursery. This is the point when your baby might be getting too large for a Moses basket and need their own space.
When should a toddler transition from a cot to a bed?
Moving your toddler to a toddler bed is a big step. According to Sarah Ockwell-Smith, you should think about moving your little one from a cot to a toddler bed between 18 months and 3 and a half.
Signs they're ready for the big move are that they're regularly climbing out of their cot, waking more in the night, and you often find them with their arms and legs poking out of the cot. If your toddler is struggling with this transition, Emily McInnes suggests making it a gradual process over 1-2 weeks.
"The key is the 'acclimatisation' part of the process. When your child becomes familiar with their new sleep space, they are much more likely to feel more secure and will hopefully be more willing to sleep in their bed."
She suggests:
• Create lots of positive associations with their bedroom and toddler bed – you can use play therapy in the daytime to do this. Read the books on their bed, play some games in their room and make it an exciting new environment (longer term I would avoid toys in the bedroom as this can be associated with play and stimulation).
• You can get them to help you choose their new bedding. This will help to make them feel involved and part of the transition process.
• Start putting your child to sleep in their toddler bed for naps in the daytime and then build up to nighttime sleep.
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About the experts
Sarah Ockwell-Smith is a well-known parenting expert and a highly regarded popular childcare author who specialises in the psychology and science of parenting, 'gentle parenting' and attachment theory, with a particular interest in child sleep. She has authored 15 parenting books, translated into over 30 languages, which have sold over half a million copies.
Emily McInnes is a Paediatric Nurse and Certified Holistic Sleep Coach. She has over ten years experience in the healthcare setting and has a passion for supporting parents with their child's sleep. She has a vast amount of knowledge in paediatric sleep which she is passionate about sharing with the wider community to educate and reassure parents about the biologically normal sleep behaviours of babies and toddlers.
Lorna White is the Products Editor for Mother&Baby. With five years experience as a parenting journalist, Lorna has a keen interest in a range of topics from baby sleep to potty training and early baby development and has a wide range of experienced medical experts and professionals at her fingertips. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two young sisters, dog walking and enjoying the outdoors with her family.