A cot is likely to be your baby’s first bed and should ideally last at least a couple of years. Which is why it’s crucial that you pick a crib that will keep your baby safe and secure, as well as giving you some peace of mind, regardless of whether they let you catch 40 winks or not.
However, with so many options available it can be difficult to decide. Should you choose a cot or a cot bed, does it come with a mattress or a teething rail, and are drop side cots safe? In this article we're here to help you find the best cots in the UK for newborn babies and up. All our top 10 ranking products are available online from trusted retailers such as John Lewis, Amazon and Argos. So read on to find out more!
Quick List - Top Cots for Babies
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To choose the right cot, you need to know what exactly to look for. There are various factors to consider to ensure your child has a safe and restful sleep. By following the advice in our buying guide, it could save you the hassle of having to buy twice.
The first point to to consider is whether you should pick a cot, or a cot bed. Each has its pros and cons, so let's take a look at both in more detail below.
Their greatest advantage is that they can be used for longer as the child grows, saving you money and avoiding the hassle of having to buy separate pieces of furniture. Unfortunately, the catch is that they’re usually more expensive, although surprisingly not always by that much.
However, they will also require you to have enough space. As the current advice is that babies should be in their parents’ room until they’re at least six months old, it could be a bit of a tight squeeze in your bedroom.
Cots are generally smaller than cot beds, so if you're short on space or they’re going to be bunking up in your bedroom, then these will likely be a better choice.
Although cheaper initially, you will eventually need to buy a larger bed, which is probably going to cost more than buying a cot. That said, for those planning on having more than one child, you'll be able to reuse the cot for any subsequent younger family members.
For the first few months they won’t be moving around all that much, but once they do start standing up and worming about, then it's recommended to switch down to the lowest position to stop them from climbing out.
This may lead you to wonder why a third, or middle height may be necessary. It isn’t, but some parents and caregivers find that the lowest option is too low for bedtime, and instead prefer use the middle option for when they're sleeping. With the choice available, you can adjust the cot to suit your baby, no matter their age.
A ‘drop side’ means that one side railing is capable of being lowered, thus making it easier to get your baby in and out. Different mechanisms enable this, such as nudge and lift, catches or foot levers. These are particularly useful for shorter people and those with bad backs or other mobility issues as it will save a lot bending over to raise your child from the cot.
However, there have been some disputes about the safety of drop side cots in the USA, eventually resulting in their ban following some very tragic incidents. While this is highly concerning, we think it’s important to point out that the UK has a different set of safety standards than our pals over the pond, and according to the BPA (Baby Productions Association) they have not been linked to any deaths on our shores.
The storage space is usually found in the form of a drawer underneath the cot. This can be extremely helpful for storing bedding, pyjamas, nighttime reading material or even toys.
To make the most of any potentially limited space in your abode, then make sure to check the dimensions. Like everything, cots come in a wide variety of sizes, but on average will usually fall somewhere around the 120 x 60 cm region.
When it comes to cot beds, these tend to be slightly bigger, averaging around 140 x 70 cm. To make it easier for you, we have included the dimensions in the specification table below each cot in our ranking!
First and foremost, you should be focussing primarily on the cot or cot bed. But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep an eye out for some neat little additions along the way. There two most useful additions we found were mattresses and teething rails.
Just like adult beds, cot manufacturers don’t always provide the mattress with the frame. However, some do and at no further cost. Since the cost of buying separate mattresses can range from £20 to over £100, by buying a cot with a mattress you could be saving yourself some serious pocket change.
Nippers just love munching on things, it’s a fact. That's why you'll be glad to hear that some cots come with teething rails. These are made of soft non-toxic materials that slide over the edges of the cot to prevent both serious damage to the railings and, more importantly, your little one’s teeth.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Babymore Eva Sleigh Cot Bed | ![]() | A Cot Bed That Has Everything | |
2 | Baby Elegance Starlight Cot and Mattress | ![]() | A Brilliant Bargain Cot and Mattress | |
3 | Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed | ![]() | The Option of Having a Bed for Life | |
4 | John Lewis & Partners Anna Drop Side Cot Bed | ![]() | Perfect for Creating a Co-Sleeping Arrangement | |
5 | Snüz Snüzkot Skandi Cot Bed | ![]() | Scandinavian Design Synonymous With Style | |
6 | Tutti Bambini Modena Nursery Cot Bed | ![]() | A Cot Bed To Last Into Their School Years | |
7 | Loveforsleep White Wooden Baby Cot | ![]() | A Beautiful Cot Bed With Aloe Vera Infused Mattress | |
8 | Obaby Bantam Space Saver Cot and Foam Mattress | ![]() | A Compact Cot For Smaller Homes and Nurseries | |
9 | John Lewis & Partners Rachel Cot Bed | ![]() | A Contemporary Cot With Solid Construction | |
10 | Obaby Stamford Classic Sleigh Cot | ![]() | A Large Cot Bed With a Traditional Sleigh Design |
This award-winning cot bed has it all! The drop side can be operated with one hand, which is ideal for when you're trying to lower them into bed without waking them. Additionally, it has a large storage drawer which is the full length of the cot providing plenty of space.
The cot frame is built from solid pine wood with multiple base positions and a teething rail. Best of all, this cot is suitable for children from birth up to four years old, which gives you plenty of time to figure out what to do next. It might take some work to assemble, but once you have we're sure you'll love it.
Babies are expensive, the nappies, the shoes and clothes that they grow out of seemingly daily, and the endless amounts of food they eat. So it's only right that we included an absolute bargain somewhere in our ranking, and here we have it from Baby Elegance, a cot and mattress for under £100!
A universally adored option, the cot features a hypoallergenic mattress to help your little one sleep soundly, a teething rail to protect their gums and three-position adjustability for use as they grow.
If you're looking for a cot bed to use from birth and beyond, then look no further. This product from Boori comes with the capability of transitioning into a full-sized adult double bed. Yes, it requires a conversion kit separately, but you'll never have to buy your child another bed again!
Crafted from sturdy Australian araucaria wood, this minimalist cot bed has two different base height settings and one easy to rotate side panel that can be used to produce a low side to prevent them from rolling out when converted to a toddler bed.
This cot has a drop side that's designed to be easy enough for parents to manoeuvre, but sturdy enough to resist tiny hands. This feature also makes it a perfect accompaniment if you're looking to use the cot as a co-sleeping space next to your bed.
If you're looking for ease of access, then the Anna cot bed is surely up there with the most convenient. It has a classic design with a lovely grey finish that make it sure to look at home in any child's bedroom.
We know that practicality and safety are paramount when it comes to a cot, but surely looks come close second? This sleek Scandinavian design inspired cot ticks all the boxes when it comes to style. With this you're sure to have one of the most unique nurseries in the whole playgroup, even if the baby doesn't know it.
This cot bed can be adjusted for children up to ten years old, which is much longer than many other options. Although, you will need to purchase an extension kit and extension mattress. Still it's got to be cheaper and easier than buying a whole new bed!
This cot bed is designed to follow you and your baby from newborn all the way up to six years old. We've chosen the white oak finish as our favourite, but it also comes in varnished oak variant if you would prefer the more natural vibe.
The three adjustable base positions allow for parents to get as much use as possible from the cot before it becomes a toddler bed, which unfortunately always happens much sooner than we expect.
This beautiful cot looks like it's come straight from the pages of a Motherworld catalogue. It has a larger drawer for storage and comes with both a teething rail and interestingly, a 6cm thick aloe vera infused mattress, which supposedly helps improve blood circulation while your little one is sleeping.
Reviewers testify to the ease in which it can be assembled, although the materials and construction fall under more scrutiny. While it may be fine for a baby, if you have a rambunctious toddler it might not be able to handle the wear and tear.
This space-saving cot is ideal for those that have less space or a smaller nursery. Great value for money, this cot comes with teething rails and a water-resistant foam mattress with a fully removable cover that can be thrown in the washing machine.
Crafted from FSC certified timber it's estimated to last your baby from birth to around 18 months old, depending on their weight and height. Obviously, due to the smaller size, this will only be able to take one child at a time, so it won't be much use if you're expecting twins!
John Lewis is a company you can rely on for solid furniture construction. This modern-looking cot bed is made from sturdy pine with a white gloss finish for a contemporary look. Moreover, the three adjustable heights flow smoothly so you don't have to worry about it being difficult to adjust.
One factor to consider, is that this cot does not come pre-assembled. Luckily, it comes with straightforward instructions, making it easy to put together yourself.
This wonderfully crafted Sleigh cot bed features a timeless design that will suit any nursery. A practical choice, the mattress base can be adjusted to three different levels as your child grows. Once they as they outgrow the cot itself, it can be seamlessly altered into a comfortable junior bed.
Additionally, it has a 70L storage drawer underneath and comes with teething rails to protect your baby's gums. However, as this is the biggest cot in our ranking, it may not be suitable for those with limited space.
When caring for babies, it's important that we pick high quality gear that's practical, functional and safe. With so many options online it can be difficult to know which are the best ones to pick. For more buying tips and advice, check out these other articles on how to buy trusted baby products in the UK.
As you can see, the world of baby cots is boundless which can make it awfully difficult to choose one that's right for both you and your little one. Hopefully, we have helped to point you in the right direction of your next purchase. All that's left to do is get them to stay asleep!
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Babymore|Eva Sleigh Cot Bed
No. 2: Baby Elegance |Starlight Cot and Mattress
No. 3: Boori|Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed
No. 4: John Lewis & Partners |Anna Drop Side Cot Bed
No. 5: Snüz Snüzkot|Skandi Cot Bed
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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