15 Best Cot Beds For Babies and Toddlers in 2024, Tried and Tested By Parents

Choosing one of the best cot beds for your baby can be a daunting process - as a mother of three, I know this feeling all too well. You want to choose a safe, comfortable, and chic bed, all in equal measure. Finding the best cot bed or crib is essential, as it will set the whole tone for your little one's nursery as well as being where your little one sleeps. Toddlers sleep up to 13 hours a day, so it is important to choose a cosy cot. With so many options on the market, it can be a little overwhelming.

Like adult beds, each cot bed is different. One of the most crucial things to consider is the space in which it is going. Do you want the cot to be the main feature of your baby's nursery, like Molly Mae's stylish acrylic cot? Or would you rather it blend into the background? For myself, I opted for the Stokke Sleepi Oval Crib, it's on wheels, so that means easy transportation as I move my little one from room to room. Easy transport aside, a wooden cot bed is of course a classic that should not be underestimated.

How We Test The Best Cots and Cot Beds

Four of our top cot beds have been reviewed by our team at Grazia, as well as testers over at our sister brand, Mother&Baby, who we have consulted. The rest of the cots present in this article have been highly rated and reviewed online, and we have done extensive research on each to find you the pros and cons, specifications, and features that make them stand out. Products have been selected by key features, quality, functionality, ease of use (build), the comfort of the mattress, how easy it is to clean, and value for money. Read more about how we test on our About Us page.

Each cot and cot bed will be suitable for different ages. Some may only last until your little one enters toddler years, while others will be safe to use until they are ready to move into a single bed - at around five years old. Although age is a good indication of when your child should move into their next bed, it is more important to check that they are a suitable weight and remember to make sure that you have the correct mattress for your cot. All of the cots and cribs included in this article comply with the latest UK safety standards.

The Best Cod Beds At A Glance

Best overall cot bed: Stokke Sleepi Oval Crib, £563 on John Lewis

Best cot bed for newborns: CAM CAM COPENHAGEN Harlequin Baby Bed, £1,100 on Harrods

Best cot bed for twins: Coxley Cotbed, £599 on Mamas & Papas

Best cot bed for small spaces: Petite Cot in Pure White, £109 on Mamas & Papas

Best budget cot bed: Ickle Bubba Coleby Classic Scandi Cot Bed, £179.99 on Very

Finding an aesthetically pleasing bed, that is spacious enough to last until your little one is ready for school and fits within your nursery space seems like a heavy task. But fear not - we have done all the hard work, so you don't have to. In this ultimate cots and cribs guide, we will cover everything you need to know, so all you have to do is say goodbye to your Moses basket, measure your space and pick your favourite. Don't forget some stylish crib bedding on top. Enjoy!

Should I Start With A Cot Bed Or A Moses Basket?

The Lullaby Trust (The British charitable organisation for promoting infant health and safe sleeping) advises that for the first six months of your little one's life, they sleep in your bedroom with you. Your little one should sleep in their own flat sleeping space. However, the choice of where they sleep is yours. It can be a cot bed, crib, Moses basket or next-to-me cot. We love bedside cots as we found that you can easily comfort your precious new baby if they wake in the middle of the night - without having to leave the comfort of your bed. Some people opt to have a Moses basket downstairs for daytime naps and a next-to-me cot for the night.

What to Consider When Buying a Cot Bed

Assembly: Some cots are significantly easier to put up than others, but most of the baby beds in our list require some assembly. If you are not a DIY queen or king, you will probably want to opt for a cot bed which is simple to put together or comes with installation.

Space: Naturally bigger than others, especially ones that are designed that convert into toddler beds (even a double bed in the case of the Forever Beds Handcrafted Louis French Style Cot Bed), so keep this in mind. Always check the size dimensions before purchasing.

Does it include a mattress? — Another key thing to consider. Most of the cots in this list do not include a mattress. This means you will have to purchase it separately. Always check the size mattress needed as these are not always the same.

Cot Safety

To ensure you're buying the safest crib possible for your baby, the NHS advises to make sure it meets the British safety standard BS EN 716. All of the cots selected in this article comply with this regulation. You should be able to find this number either in the instructions or on the cot itself. Other important features to look out for include:

• For the first six months, the safest place for your baby to sleep is on their back in a separate space in the same room as you.

• There are no gaps between the mattress and crib for the baby's head to get stuck.

• The distance between each bar shouldn't be more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches), so your baby's head cannot get trapped.

• The cot must be sturdy and built following the instructions.

• Any moving parts should work smoothly.

• Cot bumpers, teddies and loose blankets aren't advised, as they can cause the baby to overheat or get tangled in the fastenings.

• Never leave anything with ties in the cot with your baby.

Shop: The Best Cots And Cot Beds Of 2024

Best Overall Cot Bed

Best Cot Bed For Newborns

Best Cot Bed For Twins

Best Cot Bed For Small Spaces

Best Budget Cot Bed

Best Convertible Cot Bed

Most Stylish Cot Bed

Best Value Cot Bed

Best Design Cot Bed

Best Value Cot Bed For Storage

Best Cot Bed For Longevity

Best Quality Cot Bed

Best Bedside Crib For Rocking

Best Bedside Crib For Versatility

Best Luxury Cot Bed

What To Look For When Buying A Bedside Crib

Side panel: If you’re looking for that close, co-sleeping environment, opt for a crib with a side panel that can be easily lowered. If your baby will be napping without you there, you’ll want a panel that can be securely raised back up for extra peace of mind.

Fabric: Accidents happen, so the crib’s fabric needs to be easy to clean. Choose something that’s machine-washable, and make sure it’s simple to remove and reattach for those inevitable midnight spills.

Bedding and mattress: While most cribs come with a mattress, you’ll want to ensure it’s firm and supportive enough for a safe night’s sleep. Check that standard crib sheets will fit snugly, or be prepared to hunt down specific ones if needed. Keep scrolling for our more detailed cot mattress discussion below.

Design: Safety and comfort come first, but let’s be real—you’ll want a crib that looks good in your bedroom too, right? And, while it seems far away, it’s worth thinking about what you'll do with it once your baby outgrows it.

Extra features: Some cribs come with added bonuses to make life easier, like gentle rocking motions to settle your baby (e.g. the SNOO Smarter Cot), adjustable inclines to ease reflux, or storage for nappy essentials, which the Vox Cot Bed with Storage is perfect for. A removable bassinet that doubles as a nap spot in other rooms is another handy option. The Mamas & Papas Lua Bedside Cot is a great example of this.

These extras can be super useful, but think about what will actually benefit you and your home before splurging.

Bedside Crib Buyer’s Checklist

Is It Compatible With Your Bed?

Make sure the bedside crib lines up with your bed height—your baby’s mattress should sit level with yours. If your bed is higher or lower than standard, go for a height-adjustable crib. Also, check if it clips onto bedstead frames as it may not suit a divan.

Is The Crib Mattress Standard Size?

Some cribs come with unique mattress sizes, meaning you’ll be tied to buying bedding from the same brand. Always confirm if the mattress is included or needs to be bought separately.

How Tricky Is The Assembly?

Some cribs can be assembled easily without tools, while others might push your DIY skills to the limit. Double-check how simple the setup is before you buy.

Thinking Of Co-Sleeping?

Certain cribs let you keep the side panel down for easier access, giving you the closeness of co-sleeping but without the risks. Others automatically pop the panel back up, ideal if you want extra reassurance.

Can It Work As A Standalone Crib?

If you plan on switching between a co-sleeper and a standalone crib, opt for one that’s sturdy and doesn’t need constant attaching to your bed.

How Much Room Do You Have?

Bedside cribs come in all shapes and sizes, so measure your space and think about how long you’ll need it for—smaller cribs will be outgrown faster.

Cot Bed FAQs

What Age Should My Baby Move From A Moses Basket To Cot?

After the first six months, your baby will be ready to go into their nursery or bedroom, and it is then a good time to upgrade their sleeping quarters. Although little, your baby is growing rapidly, and they will need a spacious cot or crib to sleep in - if any of you have any chance of getting a good night's rest.

What Age Do Babies Stop Using Cots?

We consulted expert Katherine Walker, Service Development Manager at NCT, and she advised that, "Babies can use cots for sleeping until they can either climb out or have outgrown them, this can be anywhere between 18 months to 3 years of age. Each toddler is different."

When Should A Toddler Transition From A Cot To A Bed?

Walker explains, "A toddler can transition when it seems they might be too big for their cot, or they begin to climb out of it.  Often this is anywhere between 18 months to 3 years."

What's The Difference Between A Cot And A Cot Bed?

The main difference between a cot and a cot bed is the age suitability. Cots are suitable from birth until your little one can stand and potentially climb over the bar (usually 18 months). At this point, the cot becomes unsafe. Cot beds are generally bigger and can be adapted into a toddler bed by removing one of the sides or panels.

What Is The Safest Type Of Cot?

Walker recommends that the "safest type of cot is one which has a new waterproof mattress and has a firm, flat surface.  The cot should be free of any additional bedding, bumpers or toys as these can introduce a risk of entanglement or suffocation for your baby. The cot must conform to British safety standards – look out for this on the packaging (BSEN716). Additionally, it is recommended that the cot should be in the same room as the parents for the first 6 months with the baby laying on their back."

What Is The Best Type Of Mattress Type For A Cot?

The ideal mattress type for a cot is one that is firm and flat to properly support your baby’s spine and lower the risk of suffocation. It should fit perfectly in the cot, leaving no gaps at the edges. Opt for breathable materials to keep your baby’s temperature regulated, and a removable, washable cover is a must for easy cleaning. Waterproofing is also a bonus to shield the mattress from spills and accidents. Grazia's top pick would be the Simba Baby Cot Bed Mattress, from £249. For more detailed information, read our ultimate guide to Finding The Best Cot Mattress.

Should A Baby Cot Be Against A Wall?

Your baby's cot should either be right up to the wall with no gaps or at least one foot away from the wall. This positioning will ensure that they don't get trapped if they learn to climb out of their cot bed. Ideally, position your child's cot away from windows, heaters, lamps or any wall decorations. Keep any furniture your child could use to climb out away from the cot as well.

Are Drop-Side Cots Banned In The UK?

A frequent question asked by the British public, Katherine Walker explains, "No - drop side cots are not banned in the UK. It is important to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using them. Checking that there is no gap between the dropped side and the parent’s bed helps to keep your baby in a safer position. This can usually be achieved with either locking wheels so the cot cannot move away from the bed, or by being fastened to the adult bed.  Ideally the side that drops should be adjustable so that if the baby is sleeping unattended the side can be lifted to keep them safe."

Hannah Carroll is a Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product writer for Grazia, specialising in product testing and reviews. With three children, Hannah loves testing the latest industry products on her own family. Juggling three boys solo, Hannah knows the struggle of scoring a changing bag that can handle the chaos of a family day out without cramping her style! Hannah prides herself on her honest approach to parenthood and is often the first to admit her parenting faux pas. She often documents the trials and tribulations of motherhood live on her Instagram page, @howhannahsawit. From Mother&Baby to Grazia, Hannah has spent almost two years testing products, writing reviews and attending parenting events to gain expert firsthand knowledge in the field.