Any new parent will know, there are hundreds of baby must-haves to consider.
From thebest newborn pramsand the best sleepsuits to thebest baby monitorsand thebest Moses baskets.
And choosing between the best bed for your little one joins this list.
First up: you might be wondering whats the difference between thebest bedside cribsand the best cot beds.
In todays market, there is a never-ending amount of cot beds to choose from.
Some come with clever under-the-bed storage where you might stash bedding or nighttime essentials, like nappies.
While others come with an adjustable base to prevent your baby from climbing out.
Then comes the overall style of the sleep solution.
This article has been updated to reflect changes in the price of some of the cot beds featured.
The quick list
In a hurry to find the best cot bed?
Remove the bars to create a bench-style bed.
It’s available in off-white or stylish green.
Best for longevity
The perfect cot bed if you love contemporary design and can handle a fiddly assembly process.
Best build quality
An elegant, timeless design with a smart, panelled look.
The cot has adjustable height levels for your baby’s safety.
It comes with a mattress and has an in-built storage drawer.
In terms of value for money, this is one of the best cot beds you could choose.
Best for assembly
This sturdy cot bed has a storage drawer and a handy hanging rail.
Teething rails are included and the adjustable base has two height positions.
Assembly is a dream thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and great instructions.
It has an impressive range of mattress base positions too - seven in total.
It’s good value, well-built and can be used for years to come.
There are loads of great extras too, including a gigantic storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable heights.
But what’s more the paint has been tested to EN71-3 safety standards.
So you’re free to sleep easy.
An easy assembly is required:“It’s surprisingly easy to build,” our tester told us.
All you need is an Allen key and an hour to put this together thanks to the easy-to-follow instructions.
You’re tight on funds:This cot bed will set you back around 450.
Tested by:Donna and her seven-month-old Daisy.
This makes it easy to reach your newborn but also guards against an adventurous toddler from climbing out.
The cot has fixed side panels and converts to a first bed, with a toddler rail included.
The recommended mattress issold separately (125).
This is a timeless, stylish, and robust cot bed.
Our tester, Donna, says: “There is a real sense of class about it.
It oozes quality and you’re able to tell it will last many years.”
Donna found the instructions easy to follow when it came to assembling the cot bed.
“I put it together on my own during one of Daisys shorter naps,” she says.
“After putting the base too low to start with, I had practice changing the height.
It was really straightforward to adjust.”
Verdict:The stand-out feature of this cot is how robust it is, says Donna.
It’s sturdy but light enough to move around when I’m changing Daisys cot sheets.
And it really is beautiful to look at.
What more could your little sleeper need?
It’s also simple to convert from a cot bed to a stylish bench-style bed for an older toddler.
But here’s a word of warning: this makes it heavy.
So keep that in mind if you’re shifting it yourself after it’s been delivered.
Look to the Mokee Midi which costs 140, for the best budget buy or Amburgey’s 187.99 offering.
You want a cot bed with storage:Unfortunately, this is a feature that the Willox lacks.
But its main hang up?
The high price point.
Tested by:Gemma who is mum to Boden, 13 months.
Eventually, you’ve got the option to remove the bars altogether to create a bench-style bed.
Our tester Gemma built the cot bed in an hour and found the instructions easy to follow.
It’s a beautiful shade of green.
Previously, I had only ever considered a traditional white cot bed but this has totally changed my mind.
Verdict:Overall, Gemma was wowed by this cot.
“The cot is a beautiful, unique addition to our nursery.
The only problem is that now we’re tempted to buy all the matching furniture!”
Read more:La Redoute Willox Adjustable Cot Bed review
3.
You’re short on time:This cot bed took our tester around 90 minutes to assemble.
You’re on a tight budget:This isn’t the most affordable cot bed in our guide.
Tested by:Kate and her son, Blake, aged six months.
“We’re really happy with it.
My baby seems to like sleeping in it.
I feel she’s really safe as it’s so sturdy.
Therecommended mattress (150)is an expensive additional expense but it is very good quality.”
Although this is a fairly expensive cot bed, our tester thinks it compares well with other similar designs.
The assembled cot looks “really beautiful” and Kate feels it looks more expensive than it is.
Best quality
4.
You want an easy assembly process:Our tester took just 12 minutes to build this sturdy cot.
Plus, the slats for the mattress are already fixed.
Depending on which style you go for, expect to pay anywhere between 129 to 229.
It’s beautifully-designed frame is sturdy, well made and will last (and last).
It’s also easy to put together and even easier to adjust as and when your newborn grows.
And it’s all thanks to the quality of the solid, sturdy wood materials used.
Another plus point was the assembly process.
With clear instructions and a simple build, the cot was built in just twelve minutes.
However, our tester found one fault with this product and that’s the extensive packaging.
“We were impressed by the overall finish.”
It comes with a 650 RRP, so it’s an expensive addition to any nursery.
Best Budget
5.
At just over 170, this design from Mack + Milo has impressive features at an affordable price.
The finish is also a little less luxurious than other cots.
You struggle with flat-pack furniture:According to our tester, the instructions are a little complicated to follow.
Tested by:Emma and her one-year-old son Charlie.
It comes with a mattress included and has an in-built storage drawer.
In terms of value for money, this is one of the best cot beds you could buy.
Our tester wasn’t expecting this to be a premium product.
However, she was pleasantly surprised when she put it to the test with her one-year-old son, Charlie.
“It’s a lovely, simple design that looks great in my son’s room.”
The cot bed was easy to assemble, although the instructions are a little complicated.
However, adjusting the base height and converting the cot to a toddler bed is very straightforward.
I really like that there’s an extra base panel for when the mattress position is higher, too.
This keeps the contents of the drawer covered, so the sleek, minimal design isn’t spoiled."
Emma found the cot rattled when her toddler shook the sides.
“The edge of the toddler bed guard also seems a little sharp on the corners.”
There are also teething rails.
That’s because every piece is labelled alphabetically, making it foolproof.
It’s also easy as can be to put together, which makes it all the more brilliant.
You do, however, need to buy a mattress separately so that’s something to keep in mind.
Tested by:Annie and her 12-week-old Leo.
Our baby gear expert says:Mamas & Papas Franklin Cot Bedis available in white or grey.
It’s suitable from birth to four years, and the adjustable base has two height positions.
Teething rails are included.
The whole process from delivery to assembly couldn’t have been easier.
Happily, putting the cot together was a doddle.
Our tester’s favourite feature is the storage drawer.
I keep bed sheets, blankets, swaddles and towels in it."
Verdict:Overall, Annie feels this is a classy and well-made cot bed.
“But you’re able to see the quality and craftsmanship the moment you look at it.
It’s a real statement piece.
I haven’t stopped talking about it or taking photos of it.
I am genuinely so happy with this cot bed and would recommend it to anyone.”
You want a traditional sleigh bed style:It was hard to pinpoint any negatives about this cot bed.
It’s priced at under 300 but we’ve spotted it for half price.
The fact you could use this until the age of five, makes it a steal!
Tested by:Gabrielle and her daughter Milla, aged two.
Highly affordable, it comes in four colours with lots of matching accessories available to buy separately.
It’s made from high-quality beechwood with a removable panel to transform the cot into a toddler bed.
I think she likes the feeling of being in a cot whilst having the accessibility of a bed.
She’s now had six nights' undisturbed sleep, which is a miracle!"
There are times when a budget buy can be a false economy.
But that’s not an issue with this cot bed.
Verdict:When it comes to value for money, Gabrielle was particularly impressed with this cot bed.
“It combines affordability with style and safety, which is obviously so important with baby products.
Best cot with wheels
8.
Easy assembly is a must:Nobody likes flat-pack furniture.
But our tester found this ‘exceedingly easy’ to put together.
If you’re short on space, this could be a great option for your little sleeper.
Just be prepared to pay a little extra for an oval mattress and the correct fitting sheets.
Tested by:Jill who is mum to Grace, aged six months.
It has two base heights; a high setting for babies and a lower level for pre-toddlers.
It converts easily from a cot to a stylish toddler bed or sofa.
Unlike any of the other cot beds we tested, this has lockable castors.
This means it’s easy to move between rooms.
Our tester, Jill, saysshe found the cot “exceedingly easy” to put together.
“That’s a real bonus for a time-stretched parent,” she says.
The oval design was a particular hit.
It’s also smaller than many cots, so it’s good for a smaller nursery.
Also, the fact that it’s suitable from birth is a huge selling point.
Since it’s so compact, it doesn’t feel too overbearing next to the bed.
This means you could realistically use it instead of a bedside crib.”
“Also, it may be tricky when she needs to get out of bed quickly.
This makes it ideal if space is tight.
Tested by:Catherine and her son Robin, aged 19 months.
The Coleby Mini Cotbedis designed for use up to around four years of age.
For extra storage, an under drawer is sold separately.
A cot top changer is also available in the same range.
Our tester, Catherine liked the compact design and neutral colour.
In addition, she found it easy to assemble.
It’s also narrow enough to fit through a standard doorway without needing to be taken apart and reassembled.
That means it’s handy if you plan to move it into another bedroom in future.
So far, it has coped with everything he’s thrown at it.”
Verdict:Overall, this is a good choice if you have a small nursery or bedroom.
It’s impressively sturdy and built to last, yet super affordable.
Best sleigh bed design
10.
If you ask us, cot beds don’t come any more timeless than that!
Having storage is key:And let’s face it, when is it not?
Tested by:Vicky and her six-month-old baby, Alicia.
The under-bed storage drawer also makes it a good option if you’re battling with a smaller space.
“It’s not cheap,” says Vicky.
It will last for years so it’s good value."
Best Scandi style
11.
Crafted with 100% beech wood, the brand’s quality-led Scandinavian design shines through in this oval-shaped creation.
You’re on a budget:Priced at over 500, this isn’t a budget-buy.
Stokke Sleepi cot bedThe Stokke Sleepi crib is a stylish and premium cot that grows with your baby.
It’s easy to put together, it looks great and the quality is second to none.
Priced at 563, it’s an investment buy, but our tester thinks it’s worth it.
Tested by:Charlie and her 13 month old, Seb.
Made from 100% beech wood and coming with a smooth oval finish, this is a premium product.
Stokke produces the ‘Mini’ cot, which is suitable from birth.
The Sleepi is the next size up, and is suitable for children up to five years old.
Best for storage
12.
This cot bed gets bonus points because it comes with a teething rail and three adjustable height parameters.
Tested by:Grace and her 11 month old daughter.
So if you have a small nursery, this might not be the best cot bed for you.
Size aside, this roomy cot bed has an impressive (and traditional) sleigh design.
This means it grows with your child up to the age of four.
Despite its bulky size, Grace found the cot bed easy to assemble.
“All the pieces were well packaged, with no damage or dents.
“It only took 20-30 minutes to put together, as each side piece and base can be reassembled.
There were no slats to put into place ourselves.
Everything we needed, aside from a screwdriver, was in the box, including an Allen key.
The drawer was also easy to put together.”
Grace liked the subtle teething rail - essential when little ones start gnawing on everything in sight.
This means that their teeth are protected, and the wood of the cot is protected too!”
5 things to consider before buying a cot bed
1.
In other words, you’ll save money.
And who doesn’t like doing that?!
All cots and cot beds on sale must comply with British safety standards and should bear the code BSEN716.
When buying a cot mattress, look out for the BSI number BS 1877-10:1997.
What about cot bed mattress safety?
So-called budget brands are sometimes a cause for debate.
Second-hand cots are okay but do check that they comply with the latest British safety standards.
What is the best baby cot for small spaces?
They tested the product rigorously for at least two weeks but often much longer.
After this, our parent testers gave each product a rating out of five for overall performance.
Read we testto see why you’ve got the option to rely on our guidance.
And to prep for some seriously sound sleeping, check out thebest baby monitorsand thebest baby sleeping bags.
It’s safe to say our 11-year-old tester (and a total baller) was absolutely thrilled.
