The Best Cot Beds and Cribs From Newborns To Toddlers

Choosing one of the best cot beds for your baby can be a daunting process. You want to choose a bed which is both safe, comfortable and chic - in equal measure. Finding the right 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 or crib 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?

The Best At A Glance:

• Best overall cot: Stokke Sleepi Oval Crib view on John Lewis
• Best luxury cot: CAM CAM COPENHAGEN - Harlequin Baby Bed view on Harrods
• Best cot for small spaces: Mamas & Papas Petite Cot - Pure White view on Mamas&Papas
• Best statement cot Bambizi - Secret Garden Monogram Three In One Cot Bed view on Not On The Highstreet

Each cot and cot bed will have different age suitability. Some may only last until your little one enters toddler years, whilst 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.

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. Enjoy!

SHOP: Best Cot Beds and Cots 2023

What to Consider When Buying a Cot

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 Bambizi Secret Garden Monogram Three In One 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.

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 next-to-me 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.

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:

What's the difference between a cot and 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.

FAQs

What age should my baby move from 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 at a rapid speed, 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.

Should a baby cot be against the 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.

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.