best buys
The best cots and cot beds for babies and toddlers
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We ALL want a good night's sleep ... and that includes your baby! So when the time comes to move them from their moses basket or crib to a cot or cot bed, you'll want to pick the right one. But what's the difference between the two?
A cot can be used up until your child reaches the age of around two years old.
A cot bed can be converted into a toddler-sized bed. This is then suitable for your child to sleep in until they're around five.
Some cot bed models can be used for even longer, as seats or even sofas, but you might have to invest in an extension kit to convert them.
Want to know more? Read our cot and cot bed buying guide.
1. John Lewis ANYDAY cot
*Great priced and basic cot
*Made from solid pine
*White finish will look good in any home
This neat and simple cot is part of the Elementary range, made from solid pine cot with a straightforward design that's really easy to assemble. It has two adjustable base positions, so you can use the higher position for a very young baby and then drop it down once they reach six months or so. There's space under the cot for storage to keep your child's gear handy.
2. Gaia Baby Hera cot
*100% recyclable and biodegradable
*3 mattress height adjustments
*Converts to Toddler bed and First bed
A lovely and sustainable choice, the Hera is suitable from birth right up to five years or older and it is made from sustainably sourced ash. It's compact but with room to grow and it has three height positions and can be converted to a toddler bed and first bed.
3. East Coast Carolina cot (includes mattress)
*Cot which is suitable from birth to two years
*Three base heights so you can lower it as your baby grows
*Space-saving size which is ideal for smaller rooms
The East Coast Carolina cot may look basic, but it has all the functions you need and is available in either pine or white to suit the style of your little one's bedroom or nursery. The open sides and ends give the Carolina cot a light, airy feel and make it easy to check on your baby.
The cot is supplied complete with a mattress and has three adjustable base heights, so you can lower it as they grow.
4. Tutti Bambini Katie cot bed
*Space saving cot available in grey, white or black
*Three-position adjustable mattress base, allowing easy access to your little one
*Fixed-side cot with durable teething rails on both sides to protect delicate teeth and gums
This cot is ideal for using in smaller nurseries, thanks to its compact size and handy storage drawer. It's made of solid wood, and comes in a white, grey or black finish with items of matching nursery furniture available, too.
The bed also grows with your little one, converting into a junior bed suitable for toddlers up to four years old by removing the sides.
5. Ikea Gonatt cot
*One cot side can be removed when your child is older
*Cot base can be placed at two different heights
*Has three storage drawers for nappies, baby clothes and blankets
Available in grey and white, this sturdy model has three useful built-in drawers, two base heights and the side can be removed when your child is old enough not to roll out.
The cot measures 70 x 140 cm, and the base is ventilated for good air circulation which will help your little one to sleep safely and easily.
6. SnüzKot Skandi cot bed
*Stylish cot available in white and orange, white and black, white and pine ombre or blue and white
*Suitable from birth to 10 years (when used with separate extension kit)
*Matching changing units and coordinating bedding is available
You can choose from four different colours from bright orange through to neutral pine and white, plus it converts to a junior bed that can be used until your child is around 10
The cot is compact and cosy, plus you get a free one-year warranty. There are three mattress base height settings, and you can buy matching units separately to complete your nursery.
7. 'Orlando' cot bed (includes mattress)
*Protective teething rails with split end panel for converting into junior bed
*Deluxe foam mattress comes included in the price
*Size of cot is 124cm x 67cm x 85cm
This white wooden cot is safe for teething little ones thanks to the protective teething rails. The cot has a three position base, so you can adjust it to match your baby's growth, and you can remove the side rails and transform it into a toddler or junior bed that will be suitable for a pre-school aged child. It comes complete with a foam mattress, and a wipe-clean mattress cover which can be removed for separate cleaning.
8. Mcc® Grey cot bed
*Cot with split end panel for converting into junior bed
*Non-toxic eco paint with no sharp fixings make it safe for baby
*Height-adjustable base
This grey wooden baby cot bed is a brilliant, safe sleeping option which costs under £100. It's coated in non-toxic eco paint, and has no sharp fixings. The mattress cover can be removed for separate cleaning, and it has a height adjustable base. It's strong and sturdy, and converts into a toddler bed once your little one outgrows their cot.
Read on:
- The best buys to make bedtime with young children easier
- The best new baby sleep buys
- The best sleep buys for toddlers