How to buy the best cot or cot bed

A cot bed needs to look good in your child's nursery, but you also want one that's going to keep your baby safe while sleeping, and be easy for you to put together and use.

So here's our expert advice on which type of cot bed is right for your child, standard sizes, safety consideration, plus the cot bed features worth looking out for.

Should I choose a cot bed or a cot?

Once your baby grows out of a Moses basket or bassinet, which most parents use for a newborn, he or she will need to move into a cot or cot bed. There are pros and cons associated with each of them.

Cot beds

A cot bed is a cot with removable sides and a removable end panel that can be converted into a toddler-sized bed.

Most cot beds will last until a child is seven or eight years old. But this will depend on their weight, and how much wear and tear they put the bed through.

Cot beds are generally around 70cm wide – so they give your baby a bit more space to roll about and stretch their arms. They’re not necessarily that much more expensive, though.

If you have the space, it might make sense to buy a cot bed from the outset, as it will last longer and you can avoid the hassle of having to buy two separate pieces of furniture.

• Pros: Will last years longer than a cot, because you can use it as a junior bed
• Cons: Larger than cots, which could be a problem if you're limited on space

Cots

Cots are generally smaller than cot beds – around 50-60cm wide – so if your baby’s bed will be in your room until he or she is six months old, as is the current advice, a cot may fit more easily if space is limited.

Sizes do vary, though. Cots designed to fit 'standard-sized' cot mattresses are a few centimeters narrower than cots designed for 'continental-sized' mattresses, although they're often a similar length (around 140cm). Measurements should be clearly displayed on the cot label.

You can buy bedside cots with a removable side, so you can position it right next to your bed. You can adjust the base so your baby’s mattress lines up with yours, which makes night-time feeding easier. 

• Pros: Suitable for smaller rooms, bedside cots can be positioned next to your bed
• Cons: Can't transform into a junior bed so it won't last as long

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What age is a cot bed or cot suitable for?

As a general rule, a cot is suitable from birth up until around two years old. These products are designed for young infants.

A cot bed can be converted from an infant cot to one that's suitable for toddlers. In other words, a cot bed is suitable from birth up until around four years old. At which point, you can then convert most cot beds into a junior bed. 

Cot and cot bed types

A standard cot or cot bed – rectangle shape, fixed sides – isn't your only option. You could choose to go for a drop-sided, sleigh, or one with a drawer or storage built in.

Drop-sided

Some cot beds and cots have one side rail that can drop down to give better access for getting your baby in and out. 

There are different ways to lower the drop side. Some drop-sided cots and cot beds have a nudge-and-lift mechanism, which is helpful because you can operate it with one hand while you've got your baby in the other. Others have catches, a trigger mechanism or a foot pedal. 

The drop side and the back rail are usually removed when you convert a drop-sided cot bed into a junior bed. 

• Pros: Particularly useful if you're short or have a larger build, as the drop side makes it easier for you to get your baby in and out
• Cons: There has been some controversy over drop-sided cots in the USA - see the safety section below. 

Sleigh

Sleigh cot beds are popular with parents. The name comes from their wavy design, which makes them stand out from their straight-sided counterparts. 

When you're buying, check that the sleigh-shaped ends, which are usually bolted on either side of the head and foot boards, don't create a dip or groove between the pieces of wood where your baby's clothing could get caught.

Sleigh cot beds can be either drop-sided or have fixed sides. The side rails will be removed to turn the cot into a bed.

• Pros: Plenty of different styles to choose from
• Cons: Can be somewhat bulky and better-suited to large rooms

Cot beds with drawers

Some cots and cot beds use what's essentially dead space beneath the base and the legs by including a drawer.

A cot bed with a drawer might be ideal for you if your baby's nursery is small and lacks storage space. 

It's possible to get sleigh cot beds and cots with drawers. 

• Pros: A good space-saving option
• Cons: No major disadvantages

Standard cot bed and cot sizes

Cots are generally around 120cm long x 60cm wide, while cot beds are typically bigger, averaging at 140cm long x 70cm wide. However, cot beds do come in different designs, so sizes can vary. 

Most cot beds also have side rails that are around 84-87cm high in the highest position, which makes them challenging for shorter people to reach over. A cot bed with a drop-side will reduce this height, making it easier to reach your baby when the base is on the lowest position.

Double check the cot bed you choose will fit in your bedroom (where your baby is meant to sleep for the first six months), as well as where you plan to put it in the nursery. If space is limited, you may decide to go for a cot rather than a cot bed. 

When shopping for a cot mattress, you need to buy one with the same dimensions as your cot bed or cot so that the mattress fits snugly into the frame. 

Consult our guide on the best cot mattresses to see which options ace our expert tests.

How much should I spend on a cot bed or cot?

Cot beds are generally more expensive than cots. However, as they'll be in use for longer than a cot, they can be the more cost-effective option.

Prices for cot beds vary depending on style and the materials used, but you should expect to spend anywhere between £200-700.

Cots can start from as little as £60, but most land within £100-300.

Where to buy a cot bed

There are plenty of retailers on the high street that sell cots, with the list including Dunelm, Ikea and John Lewis. Shopping in-store means you can take a look at the cots up-close and get a sense of how much room they'll take up.

Whether you're shopping in person or online, make sure you're dealing with a reputable retailer and note the returns policy.

There are plenty of popular retailers that sell cot beds and cots. 

Ikea cot beds

If you're looking for a cot bed for under £200, Ikea offers a handful of cots that are either 120cm x 60cm or 140cm x 70cm. Many have adjustable mattress heights or removable railings so you can convert them into junior beds.

The cheapest start at about £60, and you can get bundles of baby furniture that include changing stations. You'll need to buy a mattress and bed linens separately.

View all available cot beds online from Ikea.

John Lewis cot beds

While there isn't a massive variety of cot beds from John Lewis, many come with teething rails and can be converted into toddler beds. All the beds fit 140cm x 70cm mattresses.

Prices start from about £150, but you'll also need to factor in the cost of a mattress, which will add at least an extra £40 or so.

See the cot beds available from John Lewis.

Mamas & Papas cot beds

There are dozens of cot beds sold by Mamas & Papas, with most being convertible into junior beds. While you'll also need to get a mattress separately, there are cot bed/mattress bundles that could save you a bit of money.

Prices start from about £110, but that's for a 'petite' cot, which is significantly smaller at 90cm x 54cm. A typical 140cm x 70cm cot bed will cost around £300.

You can find the full range of available cot beds from Mamas & Papas.

Obaby cot beds

Obaby offers a wider variety of cot beds than most retailers in different styles, colours and shapes. Cot bed sizes can accommodate 100cm x 50cm, 120cm x 60cm, and 140cm x 70cm mattresses. Like those from other popular retailers, most Obaby cot beds come with removable railings so you can convert them into toddler beds.

Cot beds start from about £115, but you'll need to factor in the cost of a mattress too.

View the full range from Obaby or you can get one from Argos.

Tutti Bambini cot beds

Many Tutti Bambini cot beds have removeable railings so that you can convert them into a junior bed as your child grows older. There's a variety of styles and wood finishes, and some models let you position the mattress base lower or higher. 

Prices start from about £200 for a mini cot bed, with the most expensive being around £400. You'll need to get a mattress separately.

You buy a cot bed from Tutti Bambini or from Argos.

To see which baby and child shops are rated highly, consult our expert guide on the best and worst baby and child shops.

Should I use a second-hand cot bed or cot?

Using a second-hand cot could save you some cash, but there are some essential safety tips to read first.

For one, you need to buy a new mattress for the cot – there should not, at any point, be a gap of more than 3cm between the mattress edge and the cot. Don't choose a mattress with handles, as these may trap your baby's hands or feet.

You also need to make sure the product conforms to British Safety Standards BS EN 716 as a cot, and BS 8509 as a bed. Have a look in the instructions for a BS number, or check for markings on the cot itself.

The bars should be no more than 6.5cm apart, so your baby can't get stuck between them. Check that there's at least 50cm between the top of the mattress and top of the cot.

Make sure the drop-side mechanism works smoothly, and stays reliably in the ‘up’ position. You should also ensure the drop side can't be lowered by a child.

If you're going second-hand, get a copy of the original instructions.

For more expert advice that can help you kit out your home with the right equipment, see our nursery and feeding page.

Cot bed and cot features to look out for

• BS number – this will tell you whether or not your new cot bed meets all-important European safety standards. Keep an eye out for a marking that reads 'BS EN 716-1:2008+A1:2013' – this shows the cot is a safe depth and the bars are the correct distance apart. 
  
• Height-adjustable base – You can adjust this as your baby grows, usually having a choice between three positions. When your baby is small, the mattress sits on the highest base level. The instructions usually recommend that the lowest position is the safest, and should always be used as soon as your baby starts to move about a bit and pull themselves up, which can be about eight months old.
• Teething rail – Chomping on the edge of a cot is a habit many teething babies relish. Choosing a cot with a teething rail – a protective covering on the side edges of the cot – helps to protect your cot bed and your toddler from damage caused by each other.
• Casters– Some cots have casters or mounted wheels, which is handy if you want to move it into a different room.
• Drop-sides – a drop-side cot has three sides that stay in place and a fourth that raises and lowers. Lowering one side of the cot makes it easier to pick up your child, which will be a bonus for parents with back problems.
• Additional storage – shop around for a cot with built-in storage compartments if you're limited on space.

Consider investing in a baby monitor so you can watch over your little one's cot. Our expert guide uncovers the best baby monitors

Cot bed safety

A safe and secure cot bed is a crucial investment for any parent. Once you've purchased your little one's cot bed, you need to know exactly how to build it, where to position it and how long to use it before swapping to something bigger.

Thanks to the British Safety Standards guidelines, it's easy to see whether or not a cot bed can be trusted – we've got more details on that further down the page. But guidelines aside, you should also be aware of which objects should and shouldn't be kept by your child while they sleep.

Keep scrolling for details on cot bed safety checks and drop-sided cot beds, plus important tips on when to adjust the cot bed height and how to stop your baby or toddler falling out of their cot bed.

Cot bed safety standards

When shopping for a cot bed, you need to make sure it conforms to British Safety Standards BS EN 716 as a cot, and BS 8509 as a bed. These markings show that the product has passed a series of important British Safety Standards guidelines.

According to British Safety Standards:

• The distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the cot sides should be at least 50cm.
• The distance between each bar shouldn't be less than 2.5cm or more than 6.5cm, so that your baby’s head can’t get trapped.

As your child gets older, keep an eye out to check that the bars remain smooth and securely fixed.

Where should I put my cot bed?

The position of the cot bed in your bedroom or nursery is very important. For the first six months, experts say it's safest for your baby to sleep in the same room as you, but after that, you might want to move them to their own room.

To keep your baby as safe as possible, remember the following when positioning a cot bed:

1. Keep the cot away from obvious danger Don't position it beneath a wall-hanging frame, mirror or shelf. Power cables are a strangulation hazard, so should be kept well out of reach.
2. Keep the cot away from heat sources Make sure your child isn't next to a radiator or in direct sunlight. To keep an eye on the temperature, buy a room thermometer or get a baby monitor with a temperature display.
3. Keep the cot away from footholds Placing it close to furniture could allow your baby to climb out. Look out for trailing strings or cot-bumper ties, as they pose a strangulation risk.
4. Keep the cot away from curtains and blinds The strings and cords are another potential strangulation hazard. These can also give your baby something to hold on to and potentially help them climb out of the cot.
5. Use the base in the correct position Many cots and cot beds have adjustable bases that you can move lower as your baby grows – this means they can't roll or climb out of the cot. Check the base regularly to avoid any injuries when your baby inevitably tries to climb over the top. The highest base position is only suitable for use until your baby is about three months old.

For more expert advice on ideal temperatures for your baby, consult our guide: best cot mattresses. Plus, our reviews of the best baby monitors reveal which monitors have a temperature display.

Are drop-sided cot beds safe?

The sale of drop-sided cots (new or used) has been banned in the US since 2011, after several children died because they became trapped between the drop side and the base of the bed.

Our furniture safety experts believe that this type of accident is not possible with a cot bed that complies with the relevant British standards for cots. Reacting to concerns over the safety of drop-sided cots, the British and European safety standard was revised in 2011 and again in 2013. Drop-sided cots in the UK now require a lock on drop sides when the cot is in the lowered position.

Make sure you look out for the BS EN 716: 2005 marking if you're buying a drop-sided cot bed. We'd also advise never leaving your child unattended in the cot when the drop side is down.

Do I need a cot bed with a teething rail?

Your baby can start cutting teeth from around 5 or six months and it will continue until they reach around two or three years old. To relieve discomfort, you might find they are gnawing and chewing on things a lot, including their cot bed.

When a baby is teething the saliva softens the material, causing potential chunks to break off, which is incredibly dangerous as they could end up swallowing pieces of the wood.

Some cot beds come with teething rails, a protective piece of silicone or fabric that runs along the top edge of the cot's sides. If your cot doesn't come with one, you can purchase them separately from Amazon, Munch and Mokee.

When should I adjust cot bed height?

As your baby grows, their cot bed should adjust with them. Make sure your cot bed is in the highest position until your baby is around three months old.

Once your baby can sit up unaided, you can adjust the cot bed so that it's in its lowest position.

Eventually, your toddler will show signs of attempting to climb out – at that point, it's time to make the transition from cot bed to bed.

What kind of cot mattress should I use?

There's a wide variety of cot mattresses on the market, including pocket spring, foam and coir. Whichever you go for, it's essential to choose one that fits your cot bed correctly and that you can easily keep clean. 

Your cot mattress should fit the cot without any gaps, and it's important to keep your baby's mattress clean and dry. 

We don't recommend buying a second-hand cot mattress. Where possible, always buy new. 

Which? tests have found that cot mattresses can lose more than 25% of their firmness in just a few years of use. This means using a second-hand or hand-me-down cot mattress may not provide the firm support all babies need, which could increase the risk of suffocation or smothering.

What should you not put in a cot?

You should always keep your baby's cot clear of unnecessary items. In fact, the Lullaby Trust says 'a clear cot is a safe cot'.

Avoid adding soft toys, pillows, cushions or quilts for babies under one year old, as these pose a suffocation risk. Duvets need to be avoided at this age as well, as these can make your baby too hot. 

Cot bumpers aren't generally recommended either because of the danger of suffocation and overheating.

How to stop your baby or toddler falling out of a cot bed

Once your child makes the transition from a cot bed to a regular bed, consider fitting L-shaped bed guards. The bottom part of the L slides under the mattress, while the uppermost section sticks up, providing a barrier at the edge of the bed. Blow-up guards to put under the sheet are also available.

Before you part with your money, you can try a homemade alternative to bed guards. Place a rolled-up blanket or pillow under the outer edge of the mattress to raise it slightly – your toddler will have to roll up a small incline before they risk falling out.

Until your toddler is used to their new bed, put a spare mattress, soft rug, blanket or duvet next to the bed to soften the fall if they do roll out.

You can also protect a curious toddler by investing in a baby gate – see our best baby stair gates to make sure you pick a secure one.

When is it time to change from a cot to a bed?

As soon as your baby can reach over the top rail of their cot, you should think about buying a bed. The same applies if your little one shows any signs of trying to climb out of their cot.

A good rule to bear in mind is that the lowest side of the cot shouldn’t be lower than the shoulder height of your baby.

It's safer to convert the cot to a junior bed so your child can't hurt themselves when escaping, rather than them spending hours in A&E with a possible concussion.

Once your baby is able to pull themselves up to stand (approximately nine months old) and get their arms over the side rail, they will be able to climb out.

A new bed needs a suitable mattress – see our guide to the best mattresses and see which options offer adequate support.

5 tips for assembling your cot bed safely

Cot beds can be a pain to put together, even if you have more than one pair of hands and a reasonable level of DIY experience.

To help you avoid problems when setting up your baby's cot bed, see these top tips from our experts:

1. Get the instructions These contain vitally important information about keeping your baby safe while they sleep. Don't worry if you don't have the original instructions for your cot bed, as most manuals are also available online.
2. Get some help Most cot beds are large and unwieldy, and it's far easier to assemble them with two people. Most instruction manuals tell you to assemble the cot bed with it standing up, but we've found that assembling the cot on its side is usually much easier.
3. Use your judgement Some instruction manuals lack text, or contain incorrect pictures or descriptions. If the cot bed doesn't look right, or is difficult to use, you've probably assembled it incorrectly. If the base of the cot bed seems really high after assembling it, you’ve probably put it together upside down.
4. Don't use too much force Never bang wooden dowels in with a hammer as they can go straight through to the other side of the wood. Splitting the headboards and footboards when you convert the cot to a bed can be really tough. The instructions usually say you should ‘simply pull it apart’, but as you do this take care not to break the wooden dowels that hold the pieces together.
5. Cot bed adjustment When adjusting the base height, take off one of the fixed sides so you can see more of the fixings and get a better grip. Loosen the sides first and then retighten them afterwards, as the base is clamped tightly in place and it's difficult to manoeuvre the components loose.

Need some gifts for children? We asked our experts what their kids and teens are wishing for in our guide on the best gifts for kids.