9 of the best cots/cot beds for babies 2024
See also Moses baskets, cribs and bedside cribs and mattresses and sheets.
WHAT IS A COT/COT BED?
Larger than a crib, they are beds with fixed sides or one drop side to make getting your baby in and out easier.
They can be used from birth but as it’s recommended that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for the first six months, it depends on whether you have the space for a cot. You should also consider whether you want your newborn to have daytime naps in the same room as you, in which case a Moses basket or moveable crib might be more suitable at first.
What is the difference between a cot and a cot bed?
Cot beds are larger and more expensive and have removable sides so they can be converted into a small single bed. This gives them a much longer lifespan than cots, which can be used until your child is around two years old.
When choosing between the two, it’s worth considering if and when you plan to have other children. For example, the cot bed may be needed for another baby before you’ve converted it into a junior bed.
Your baby should sleep in the same room as you until 6 months old. So if you want to use a cot or cot bed from birth (instead of a Moses basket, crib, or co-sleeper), consider which will fit better in your room.
What to consider when choosing a cot or cot bed
The mattress: It is very common for the mattress to not be included so you have to factor in this additional expense. And if it’s not a standard-sized mattress (140 x 70cm or 120 x 60cm) your options will be more limited.
Mattress heights: Most will have the option of between two and four mattress positions. When a baby is very small, place the mattress up high so you’re not having to bend over so much to get them in and out. As they get older place the mattress lower to prevent your child from escaping.
Drop-down side: If you do have a bad back, consider getting a cot with a drop-side so you can more easily get your baby in and out.
Teething rails: These cover the edges of the cot sides and protect both your cot and your baby if they find the urge to bite down on the wood.
Storage drawer: If you’re short on storage, an under cot drawer is great for keeping spare bedding etc.
Matching furniture: Many can be bought in a set with a matching wardrobe and dresser.
THE BEST COTS AND COT BEDS
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 18 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, I may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Obaby Grace Cot bed
This cot bed is suitable from birth until four years old as it can convert into a junior bed.
Three mattress heights.
Mattress not included. A 140 x 70cm mattress is required.
Made from FSC-certified wood.
It measures L144 x W78 x H93cm.
Teething rails along both sides.
Available in white and grey.
2. OBABY STAMFORD SLEIGH LUXE COT BED
This award-winning cot bed can be converted into a junior bed so is suitable from birth until four years old (or 25kg).
Three mattress height positions.
Requires a 140 x 70cm mattress (not included.)
The sides have teething rails.
Full-length 70L capacity storage drawer.
Made from FSC-certified wood.
Available in white, taupe and grey.
Meaures L160 x W77 x H99.8cm.
Five year guarantee.
A matching wardrobe and changer are also available.
3. Babymore Eva Sleigh Cot Bed
Award-winning cot bed, which converts to a junior bed. It can be used from birth until around four years old.
Three base heights.
Drop-side mechanism for easy access.
Two teething rails.
Full-width storage drawer.
A mattress sized 120 x 60cm is required. Check to see if the retailer includes this.
Measures L137 x D66 x H100cm.
Available in white, brown and grey.
4. SnuzKot Skandi Cot Bed
This stylish cot bed has a long life span as it can be used from birth and converted into a toddler bed. Then with an extension kit and mattress (sold separately), it can be turned into a bed that can be used until ten years old.
The cot has three base heights.
Made from solid beech wood with no MDF or veneer.
Measures L133cm x W72 x H89cm.
The mattress is not included. It needs to be 68 x 117cm, which is not a standard size so you will need to buy the SnuzSurface Pro mattress.
Available in grey, white and natural wood.
5. Ikea GONATT cot bed
One side can be removed from this cot bed to create a toddler bed which can be used until a child is 20kg.
Two mattress heights.
One side can be removed to make a toddler bed.
One handy full-length storage drawer.
The base is well-ventilated.
Measures L143 x W75 x H111cm.
Mattress not included. It needs to be 140 x 70cm.
Made from beech wood and fibreboard.
Now only available in white.
6. Little Acorns Traditional Sleigh Cot
This cot can be used from birth until around four years old as it can be converted to a toddler bed.
Three mattress heights.
No mattress is included and it needs to be 140 x 70cm.
A storage drawer is available to buy separately.
Made from pine wood, MFC and MDF.
Measures H91 x W78.6 x D153.4cm.
There is also a matching dresser, wardrobe and changing table.
Available in white and grey.
7. John Lewis ANYDAY Elementary Cot bed
This cot bed can be used from birth and when the child is older, one side can be taken down to convert it to a junior bed.
Three mattress heights.
Each side has teething rails. These can be removed before assembly if required.
Requires a 140 x 70cm mattress. This is not included.
Measures H87.3 x W144 x D75cm.
Made from solid pine.
Available in white, grey and pale green.
8. Baby Elegance Starlight Baby Cot
This cot can be used from birth until the child is able to climb out or are 25kg. This will be around two years old. The sides cannot be removed.
An anti-allergy fibre mattress is included and has a removable, washable cover. It is not waterproof so you should get a waterproof mattress protector.
There are teething rails.
Three mattress heights.
It is also available in white.
Made from FSC-certified pine.
Measures L124 x W64 x H90cm.
7. Babymore Space Saver Cot
This space-saving cot can be used from birth until 12 months and is great if you want a cot straight away but don’t have much room.
Four mattress positions.
Two teething rails.
The wheeled feet can be both locked and removed.
Mattress not included. It needs to be 100 x 50cm.
Measures L104 x D55 x H91 cm (with wheels).
Made from solid and engineered wood.
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