Choosing the perfect cot bed for your little one is an important decision, as it sets the foundation for their comfort and safety during those precious early years.
In this blog, we'll explore seven top-rated cot beds that offer the perfect blend of functionality, durability, and style, ensuring that both you and your child can rest easy.
Whether you're a new parent preparing for your baby's arrival or looking to upgrade your toddler's sleeping space, we've got you covered with expert recommendations and insights to help you make the best choice for your family.
The Best Cot Beds, at a Glance
Best Multifunctional Cot Bed - Kidsaw 1200 Combi 4in1 Cot Bed
Best Converting Cot Bed - Ickle Bubba Coleby Classic Cot Bed and Under Drawer
Best Portable Crib - Ickle Bubba Bubba&Me Plus Bedside Crib
Best Compact Cot Bed - Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed
Best Customisable Cot Bed - Mathy By Bols Madavin Cot
Best Budget Cot Bed - Ickle Bubba Coleby Mini Cot Bed
Best Multi-Functional Cot Bed
Kidsaw 1200 Combi 4 in 1 Cot Bed
The Kidsaw 1200 Combi 4in1 Cot Bed is versatile, functioning as a cot, changing unit, and toddler bed with plentiful storage options. Its changing unit drawers keep baby essentials organised, while the cot's adjustable height settings and teething bars ensure safety.
Two additional drawers underneath provide extra storage, maximising nursery space. As your child grows, the cot converts to a toddler bed with under-bed drawers, and the changing unit can be used separately as a drawer set.
Dimensions: L 173.5cm x W 65.5cm x H 109cm
Colours available: White
Material: MDF
Guarantee: 1 year
Delivery/Lead time: 3-5 working days (subject to availability)
Why we love it
We love the 1200 Combi cot bed for its incredible versatility and thoughtful design, making it a standout choice for modern families. Its ability to transition from a cosy cot to a toddler bed, along with a changing unit that doubles as a storage solution, offers unbeatable value and longevity.
The inclusion of adjustable height settings and teething bars ensures your little one's comfort and safety at every stage. The extra storage drawers underneath are a game-changer, providing plenty of space to keep essentials organised and close at hand.
This cot bed not only meets the immediate needs of your baby but adapts as they grow, proving itself as a practical and stylish investment in your child's nursery.
Pros
Versatile design transitions from cot to toddler bed.
Includes changing unit with storage drawers.
Adjustable cot height and teething bars for safety.
Extra under-cot storage maximises space.
Cons
Dismantling required to transition to toddler bed.
May be bulky for smaller nursery spaces.
Best Converting Cot Bed
Ickle Bubba Coleby Classic Cot Bed and Under Drawer
The Coleby Classic Cot Bed blends traditional style with functionality, making it an ideal addition to your baby's first room. Its versatile white finish complements any decor, and open-slatted sides allow for easy viewing of your resting child.
Adjustable to three height positions and equipped with teething rails, it grows with your baby, ensuring their comfort and safety. Transitioning smoothly into a junior bed, it serves from birth to around four years.
Added benefits include a convenient under drawer for storage, maximising space and value.
Dimensions: L 144cm x W 75cm x H 95cm
Colours available: White
Material: Wood
Guarantee: 1 year
Delivery/Lead time: 2-5 working days (subject to availability)
Why we love it
We love the Coleby Classic Cot Bed for its traditional style and versatility, with a neutral white finish that fits any nursery decor. It offers open-slatted sides for visibility, adjustable height settings, and teething rails for safety and comfort. This cot easily converts into a junior bed, making it perfect for newborn to toddler years.
The added under drawer for storage is a practical feature, keeping essentials organised. Its combination of elegance, functionality, and longevity makes it a top choice for parents seeking value and a safe, cosy space for their child.
Pros
Versatile white finish suits any decor.
Adjustable height and teething rails for safety.
Converts easily from cot to toddler bed.
Includes under drawer for extra storage.
Cons
White finish may require more frequent cleaning.
Best Portable Crib
Ickle Bubba Bubba&Me Plus Bedside Crib
The Bubba&Me Plus Bedside Crib offers the ultimate convenience for new parents, allowing your baby to sleep safely right next to you. Ideal for night feeds or comforting, this compact cot boasts a natural wood effect design, fitting seamlessly into any home decor.
It comes equipped with a comfortable mattress, two fitted sheets for easy changes, and mesh windows for visibility. Adjustable to seven height positions, it fits a variety of beds and includes washable fabrics and a large storage basket.
Suitable from birth to around 6 months, it also features a carry bag for transport, making it perfect for keeping your baby close and comfortable at all times.
Dimensions: L 94cm x W 53cm x H 68-80cm
Colours available: Wood effect
Material: Wood
Guarantee: 1 year
Delivery/Lead time: 2-5 working days (subject to availability)
Why we love it
The Bubba&Me Plus Bedside Crib steals our hearts for its perfect blend of functionality and style, ensuring your newborn is always within arm's reach. Its ingenious design, with a wood effect that suits any interior, offers not just aesthetics but also the practicality of keeping your baby close during those early, sleep-interrupted nights.
The inclusion of a cosy mattress, two fitted sheets, and mesh windows for easy viewing enhances the crib's appeal. Adjustable height positions and washable fabrics cater to convenience and hygiene, while the added storage basket keeps essentials handy.
The crib's portability, underscored by a carry bag, makes it an ideal companion for family travels. It’s everything a new parent could wish for – comfort, safety, and the bliss of constant closeness.
Pros
Attaches to the bed for close proximity.
Adjustable height fits various bed sizes.
Comes with mattress and two fitted sheets.
Features washable fabrics and a storage basket.
Cons
Limited use up to 6 months or 9kg.
Requires space alongside the bed for attachment.
Best Compact Cot Bed
Obaby Maya Mini Cot Bed
The Maya Mini Cot Bed, inspired by Scandinavian design, boasts a modern two-tone colour scheme and chic angled legs. Perfect for smaller spaces without sacrificing style or quality, it offers open slatted sides for easy monitoring of your baby.
With three adjustable mattress heights, it's designed to grow with your child, offering security as they become more active. Transitioning from a cot to a junior bed is seamless with the included safety rail, which can be removed for a stylish bed.
Available in Slate and Natural or White and Natural, it complements various nursery themes.
Dimensions: L 125cm x W 65cm x H 89cm
Colours available: White & Natural, or Slate & Natural
Material: Pinewood
Guarantee: 1 year
Delivery/Lead time: 3-5 working days (subject to availability)
Why we love it
The Maya Mini Cot Bed is a marvel of modern nursery design, blending Scandinavian aesthetics with unmatched functionality. We're delighted by its sleek two-tone colourways and stylish angled legs, making it a statement piece in any small space.
Its open-slatted sides not only ensure safety but also allow for uninterrupted views of your resting baby, fostering an immediate bond. The versatility of adjustable mattress heights caters to your growing child's needs, transitioning smoothly from a secure cot to a stylish junior bed with the help of a safety rail.
This cot bed's adaptability is matched by its appeal, offering both Slate and Natural or White and Natural options to seamlessly integrate into your nursery's decor. It's not just a piece of furniture; it's a companion through your child's early years, embodying both form and function.
Pros
Stylish Scandinavian design with two-tone colourways.
Compact size ideal for small spaces.
Adjustable mattress heights for growing children.
Transitions from cot to junior bed with safety rail.
Cons
Limited colour options may not suit all decor.
Safety rail removal requires additional steps.
Best Customisable Cot Bed
Mathy By Bols Madavin Cot
The Mathy By Bols Madavin Cot, with its 1960s-inspired design, features soft curves and elegant carved details. Handcrafted in Belgium, it's customizable in 27 colours, with options to match the sturdy legs to the cot or leave them in natural lacquer to showcase the wood's essence. Its multiplex plywood base adjusts to three heights, and two sidebars are removable, offering flexibility.
Paired with the Madavin 3 Drawer Chest & Changing Station, this cot becomes a stunning centrepiece for any nursery, blending style with functionality.
Dimensions: L 125cm x W 75cm x H 89cm
Colours available: 27 vibrant colours!
Material: MDF
Guarantee: 1 year
Delivery/Lead time: 4-5 weeks
Why we love it
The Mathy By Bols Madavin Cot, with its sixties-inspired elegance and soft curves, instantly elevates any nursery. Its standout feature is the choice of 27 colours, offering unmatched customization to fit any decor style.
Handcrafted in Belgium, this cot bed emphasises quality and versatility, with an adjustable base and removable sidebars to adapt to your growing child's needs. Paired with the matching 3 Drawer Chest & Changing Station, it combines style with functionality, embodying bespoke craftsmanship and timeless design in a single piece.
Pros
Customizable in 27 colours to match any nursery.
Handcrafted quality and bespoke design.
Adjustable base and removable sidebars for versatility.
Complements with matching furniture for a cohesive look.
Cons
Customisation options may lead to longer wait times.
Higher price point due to handcrafted nature and customisation.
How We Chose the Featured Cot Beds
When selecting the featured cot beds for this article, we carefully evaluated a range of factors to ensure we recommended only the best options available. Here’s a look at our selection process and the criteria we used:
- Bestseller Status: We started by identifying cot beds that are bestsellers, indicating high consumer trust and satisfaction. This status often reflects a product’s reliability and popularity among parents.
- Safety: Safety is our top priority. We chose cot beds that comply with strict safety standards, featuring secure sides, teething rails, and non-toxic materials. For example, the Maya Mini cot bed’s design includes adjustable mattress heights and teething rails, emphasising safety.
- Quality: The materials and craftsmanship of each cot bed were closely examined. The Mathy By Bols Madavin Cot, known for its handcrafted quality and made-to-order customization, exemplifies the high-quality standards we sought.
- Quality: We prioritised ottoman beds that offered outstanding comfort and support for a good night's sleep. Factors such as quality, frame design, and suspension system were considered to ensure optimal comfort levels.
- Design: We considered a variety of styles to ensure there’s something for every nursery. From the Scandinavian-inspired Maya Mini cot bed to the stylish and versatile 1200 Combi, each chosen model boasts an appealing design and aesthetic flexibility.
- Price Range: Recognising that budgets vary, we included cot beds across different price points. The Coleby Mini cot bed, for example, offers exceptional value without compromising on quality or safety.
- Functionality: The cot beds we featured offer more than just a sleeping space. Many transition from a cot to a toddler bed, like the Coleby Classic Cot Bed, providing longevity and adaptability. Additional features such as storage drawers and adjustable mattress positions were also considered.
- Extras: We noted any additional benefits that cot beds offer, such as the Bubba&Me Plus Bedside Crib’s ease of keeping your baby close during the night and its portability, enhancing convenience for parents.
Through this comprehensive evaluation, we aimed to present a curated list of cot beds that excel in safety, quality, design, and overall value, ensuring that parents can choose the best option for their little one’s comfort and their peace of mind.
How to Choose the Best Cot Bed?
Choosing the right cot bed is crucial for your baby's comfort and safety. Here are some tips to help you find the best cot bed for your home:
- Consider your needs: Think about how long you want the cot bed to last. Some can convert into toddler beds, offering great value over time.
- Safety: Look for cot beds with safety certifications. Ensure it has fixed sides or very secure drop sides and teething rails to protect your baby.
- Weight Capacity/Length: Consider the cot bed's weight limit and length to ensure it can accommodate your child as they grow.
- Size: Measure the available space in your nursery. Make sure the cot bed fits comfortably, leaving room for movement around it.
- Budget: Cot beds come in various price ranges. Determine your budget first, but remember, safety and quality are essential.
- Mattress: Ensure the mattress fits the cot bed snugly without gaps. Choose a firm mattress that supports your baby's developing spine. You can check out our full range of cot-bed mattresses by clicking here.
- Features: Look for useful features such as adjustable mattress heights, storage options, and ease of conversion to a toddler bed.
- Material: Preferably choose natural, non-toxic materials for durability and your child's health. Solid wood cot beds are sturdy and long-lasting.
- Style and Design: Select a design that complements your nursery's theme. Cot beds come in a variety of styles, from modern to classic.
- Functionality: Consider how the cot bed will fit into your daily routine. Ease of access, adjustable sides, and the ability to convert to a toddler bed can make a big difference.
- Extras: Some cot beds come with additional features like mobiles, under-cot storage, and matching nursery furniture sets for a cohesive look.
Remember, the best cot bed for your home is one that meets your specific needs, fits your space, and ensures your baby's safety and comfort.
FAQs on Cot Beds
Which type of cot is best?
The best type of cot varies based on individual needs but generally, a cot bed is highly recommended for its longevity and versatility. Cot beds are designed to convert into toddler beds, making them a practical choice from birth to around 4 or 5 years old. Look for one with adjustable mattress heights, a sturdy build, and safety certifications.
Which is the best mattress for a cot bed?
The best mattress for a cot bed is firm, fits the cot without gaps, and supports your baby's growing spine. Choose a mattress made from breathable, hypoallergenic materials to ensure a safe and comfortable sleep environment. Consider mattresses with washable covers for easy cleaning.
What is the safest type of cot?
The safest type of cot is one that adheres to current safety standards (such as those set by the British Standards Institution or the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in the United Kingdom). It should have a sturdy construction, non-toxic materials, and no wide gaps or sharp edges. Fixed side rails are safer than drop sides, which have been banned in some countries due to safety concerns.
What age is best for a cot?
Cots are suitable from birth. The transition to a cot should happen immediately if you're not using a bassinet, and most children will be ready to move to a bed between 18 months and 3.5 years old. However, cot beds can be used until around age 4 or 5 since they convert into toddler beds.
How long does a cot bed last?
A cot bed can last from birth up to around 4 or 5 years of age, thanks to its ability to convert into a toddler bed. The exact duration depends on the model and how it's used, but choosing a cot bed made from high-quality, durable materials can extend its lifespan, potentially serving multiple children over the years.
Explore our full range of cot beds on our website today and discover the perfect sleeping solution for your little one. From stylish designs to safety-certified options, we offer a diverse selection to suit every nursery theme and budget. Ensure your baby sleeps soundly and securely with our quality cot beds. Visit our website now to find the ideal cot bed for your family's needs.
