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 2024
Best modern cot
Kiddies Kingdom www.mamasandpapas.com
We love the customisable concept behind this minimalist SnuzKot Skandi cot bed – you can choose from four core designs and a total of 15 striking colour options - perfect for any nursery. We love this feature as it makes the cot more of a statement in the nursery. You can convert this cot into a toddler bed suitable for use up to age four. Plus, if you invest in a junior extension kit, it can be used up to age 10 - making this a fantastic investment.
A Mother&Baby tester said: 'It took two of us almost two hours to build this cot, and the frame marks easily, but I really love the unique design. The Scandi-chic look is so stylish, and the ombre colour makes it unlike any cot I've seen. I really like that you can turn it into a toddler bed with the parts included in the box and then into a bed for older children if you buy an extension kit.'
Pros
- Modern and minimal in true Scandinavian style
- Available in six colours
- Stylish
Cons
- Frame marks easily
Best traditional cot
Silver Cross www.babyplanetonline.co.uk
There's something about this traditional sleigh cot bed that we cannot get enough of. The satin white finish gives a timeless look, which is essential as this convertible cot bed can grow with your child until they are ready for school. Crafted from solid wood, this cot has been designed to stand the test of time.
Pros
- Traditional design
- Grows with your child
- Three base height positions
Cons
- Only one colour choice
Best multi-purpose cot
Amazon www.wayfair.co.uk
We love that this Tutti Bambini cot has a matching cot top changer that attaches securely to the top of the cot bed. This is a nifty option for saving space. Better yet, it converts into a junior bed for when your baby starts to grow up and will be for up to approximately six years.
Customer review: 'We love it our baby loves it everyone loves it. Beautiful cot and top changer. Was easy for my partner to build and will last our little one till he's at least four. Great value for money.'
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Space-saving
- Two colour options
Cons
- Basic design
Best overall cot
John Lewis www.johnlewis.com
The Stokke Sleepi Oval Crib bed grows with your child from birth until they are school-age. We love the oval shape as it almost creates a feeling of a cocoon around your sleeping baby. The spaced wooden bars allow maximum air circulation to create the perfect sleeping environment. Crafted from beech wood with a non-toxic finish, this is a sturdy and robust cot. And we're not the only fans of the cot; Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom have also invested in the Stokke cot bed for their little one. If it's good enough for the power couple, it's good enough for us.
We also love that this cot has wheels and can be used to move the cot and sleeping baby from room to room. Once your child is older, the wheels can be removed.
Our review: 'The Stokke Sleepi is a fantastic cot bed. There truly is nothing not to like about this product. It has been made to such a high quality. I have been extremely impressed by how great it still looks. It has become a real feature in my son's room and I love how cosy he looks in it when he sleeps and that I don't have to buy another bed once he grows out of the cot.'
Pros
- Multiple colour options
- Wheels which can be removed
- Unique oval design
Cons
- Slightly tricky to put together
Best luxury cot
Harrods www.harrods.com
This stunning cot will bring a timeless elegance to your little one's nursery. The name Harlequin refers to the rhombus-shaped pattern known from the beloved Pierrot La Lune ballet. The side panel is easily removed with two childproof push buttons. We love this feature because it allows you to snuggle close to your baby as they fall asleep, and then you can reinstate the side panel so they can sleep soundly throughout the night.
Pros
- The side panel is easily removed with two childproof push buttons.
- Easy to assemble.
- It can be set at three different heights.
Cons
- No online reviews
Best natural wooden cot
Mamas & Papaswww.mamasandpapas.com
If you are looking for a neutral cot, then this wooden Coxley cot bed from Mamas & Papas is a wonderful choice. We love that you can store books on the side, perfect for reading a bedtime story. This cot is full of charm and can blend effortlessly in any nursery. It is also a great choice for parents who do not know the gender of their baby. Plus, if you love matching furniture, this is part of a wider range.
Customer review: 'Love love this furniture set, it's perfect for our safari-themed nursery!'
Pros
- Two teething rails will soothe and protect gums
- Easy to assemble
- Matching furniture range
Cons
- None!
Best for a stylish design
CuddleCowww.cuddleco.co.uk
The Clara Cot Bed won Silver winner for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket in 2023 at the Mother&Baby Awards. The CuddleCo Clara Cot has a classic curvature with a modern contemporary aesthetic that will transform your baby's nursery. This cot bed has three mattress positions and can convert easily into a modern toddler bed. Our friends at Mother&Baby loved this cot because of its stylish design.
Mother&Baby review: 'It looks really stylish and suits my son's room perfectly. It feels really solid and seems like it would last for many years to come. I also love the full rim around the top as it makes it look sleek and modern rather than your average 'old-school' cot.'
Read the full CuddleCo Clara Cot Bed review on Mother&Baby
Pros
- Converts from a cot to a stylish toddler bed
- Has three mattress positions
- Stylish design
Cons
- Can't make use of storage under the bed
Best statement cot
Bambiziwww.notonthehighstreet.com
This Bambizi cot is truly magical. The French cot epitomises majestic elegance while possessing a delicate aura from the floral carvings and the hand-carved details. Also, the Bambizi is a lifelong investment as it converts from a cot to a toddler bed and finally into a double bed.
Pros
- 3 in 1 cot bed
- Hand-crafted from solid mahogany
- Fixed side rails
- Two height settings
Cons
- Might be too big for some
Best cot for small spaces
Mamas & Papaswww.mamasandpapas.com
A cot doesn't need to be the focus of the room if you don't want it to be. If you would rather have a small cot so there is more space for playing, then this is the option for you. This petite cot by Mamas & Papas is suitable from birth until 18 months (or when your little one figures out that they can climb up to the sides).
Pros
- Perfect for smaller spaces
- Compact
- Two cot base heights
Cons
- Not suitable past 18 months
Best cot bed with storage
Cuckooland www.cuckooland.com
When you have a baby, you quickly learn that storage is worth its weight in gold. The endless toys, nappies and clothes all need a place if the room is to stay tidy. We love this customisable cot bed because of the large under-bed storage - the perfect place to keep your cot bedding.
Pros
- Height adjustable base with nine settings
- Full-length storage drawer
- For co-sleeping - one side of the cot can be removed and attached to any of the Vox adult beds
Cons
- No detailed online reviews
Best cot for the Scandi aesthetic
Ickle Bubba icklebubba.com
Scandinavian design focuses on minimalism and functionality. We like the clean and simple lines which make this Coleby cot effortlessly blend into any room. If you are someone who winces at the thought of garish designs, then this chic, simplistic cot is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Three height positions
- Includes teething rails
- Includes mattress at an added cost
- Two colour options
Cons
- Simplistic
Best acrylic cot
Bambiziwww.notonthehighstreet.com
This cot bed takes 18th-century chic and pulls it into the 21st century, with the modern aesthetic of clear acrylic. We think this Lucine cot bed effortlessly blends into any room, and we like that you can see your little one sleeping. You may recognise this cot bed from Molly-Mae's daughter Bambi's nursery.
Pros
- 100 per cent recyclable
- non-toxic acrylic
- On trend
Cons
- No storage
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:
-
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 baby to overheat or get tangled in the fastenings.
-
Never leave anything with ties in the cot with your baby.
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.