Wondering which cot bed will give you the longest life, be safest for your baby and be simplest to put together?
We’ve got you covered with our comprehensive buyer’s guide. We will take a look at some of the best cot beds on the market and Parent's opinions on each one.
You want what’s best for your child and so do we. That’s why we have compiled this list of the top cot beds to help make your decision easier.
Scroll down to find the perfect cot bed for your baby!
How I Choose - Best cot bed
The cot bed you choose could be one of the biggest investments you make in your child’s early years and most parents want a cot that will last the child for anywhere up to six years old, be easy to assemble and look great in their baby’s room.
There are a lot of options available on the market so I have spent countless hours reading through thousands of user reviews and star ratings and spoken to tons of Parents to find the best products out there for your little angel.
What is difference between cot and cot bed?
Cot beds are larger than cots, and can be turned into junior beds as your child grows. They also have a higher weight limit, meaning they can be used for longer.
Cot beds usually have three slats down each side instead of two on a cot, and come with an adjustable mattress base which means you can make the bed firmer or softer as your child gets older.
How do I choose a good cot?
There are a few things you'll want to consider when choosing a cot. First, think about your budget. Cot prices vary significantly, so it's important to set a limit and stick to it.
Then, decide on the size of cot that will best fit your needs, if you require any features like additional storage, a cot top changer, an included cot mattress and think about the materials used in the construction of the cot.
Some parents prefer wooden cots because they're sturdy and can last for years; however, others find them heavy and difficult to move around. Metal cots are lighter weight and often fold up for easy transport, but they may not be as durable as wood. And finally, there are plastic cots which are lightweight and typically the cheapest option.
It's important to choose a cot that meets safety standards and in the UK you can tell by the BS number which should read 'BS EN 716-1:2008+A1:2013' – this shows the cot is a safe depth and the bars are the correct distance apart (ensure the space between the bars is less than 6.5cm so that baby's body parts can't get stuck).
Are drop sided cots legal?
Drop sided cots are legal in the UK and are built in way that the drop side mechanism cant fail and cause any harm to baby.
Unfortunately this isn't the same in the US and several babies were harmed by drop side cot mechanisms failing, so they have been made illegal there. If you aren't sure then just steer away from drop sided cots.
So, lets get into the best of each type of cot!
Babymore Eva Sleigh Cot Bed
Why Parents Love It
Parents were impressed with how easy this cot is to assemble with easy to understand instructions. They report that the cot looks stylish in a multitude of nursery settings and love the quality.
This bed cam be purchased with the mattress included and parents were really impressed with the soft quality of the mattress and report that their babies seems very happy in the combo and that the customer services team at Babymore are excellent and always willing to help. An added bonus!
What You Need to Know
Size: 53.94 x 25.98 x 39.37 cm
Made from Pine
Suitable from birth to approximately four years old
Meets British and European safety standards
Drop side makes it easy for parents to reach their baby – especially good for parents who are shorter.
Has protective teething rails on both sides
The base can be adjusted to three different heights to grow with baby.
Tutti Bambini Katie Space Saver Sleigh Cot Bed
Why Parents Love It
Parents love how sturdy this cot bed is and the high quality workmanship. The assembly instructions are reported to be very precise and easy to understand so that even a DIY novice is able to assemble it.
This cot bed is a space saver so it is larger than a regular cot but also smaller than a regular cot bed, this makes it great for parents who have a smaller nursery but want a cot bed that will last their child a good few years. One Mum standing at 5 foot tall said that she had no problem reaching baby even though it doesn’t have drop sides.
What You Need to Know
Size 40.16 x 26.38 x 54.33 cm
Made from pine
Suitable from birth to approximately four years old
Has protective teething rails on both sides
The base can be adjusted to three different heights to grow with baby.
Classic sleigh design with under-bed drawer for extra storage, available in White or Espresso finish.
JACOB Wooden Baby Cot Bed
Why Parents Love It
Parents had loads to love about this cot, one of the best features is the drawer underneath for extra storage which make sit ideal for smaller nurseries and larger nurseries alike. It is sturdy and easy to assemble and it includes a toddler bed guard so that when your toddler is ready to go from cot to bed, they get the added support for the first few months so they don't fall out (something I would have loved, I stuck a pool noodle under my toddlers sheets, looked weird but it kept her in!).
What You Need to Know
Size: 124 x 65 x 90 cm
Made from natural pine wood
Suitable from birth to approximately 3 years old
Includes a deluxe 6cm foam mattress with antibacterial and hypoallergenic Aloe Vera cover.
Includes a removable mattress cover for washing
Natural teething rails to protect baby's sensitive gums
Meets British & European safety standards
Wood painted with the baby's natural non-toxic paints
Converts to the toddler bed by using included wooden barrier
Obaby Grace Mini Cot Bed
Why Parents Love It
This cot is said by parents to be sturdy, easy to assemble and looks good in the nursery.
Some parents did notice a paint smell which went away after a few days and they loved that it came with built in teething rails.
What You Need to Know
Size: 48.82 x 26.18 x 36.22 cm
Made from Pine
Suitable from birth to approximately 3 years old
Has protective teething rails
FAQs
Are you looking for a baby cot bed that is safe for baby, easy to assemble and looks great?
Sounds good, right?
While all of the above meet the specifications, I’ve answered some of your common questions below so that you are armed with all the info you need when shopping for your little one.
What is the safest baby cot?
The safest baby cot is one that meets all the safety standards put in place by your country's government. That being said, there are a few features that you should look for when purchasing a baby cot to ensure maximum safety for your child.
Some key safety features to look for include: non-toxic finishes, a robust cot bed that won't wobble or topple over, no sharp edges or corners, and a snug-fitting mattress. It's also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use, and to keep cords and other hazards out of reach of your child.
Is it worth buying a cot bed?
There are a few things to consider when deciding if a cot bed is the right purchase for your family. One consideration is if your child will transition from a cot to a bed easily. Cot beds can be used as both a standard cot and a bed, so if your child is ready to make the switch, it can save you money in the long run.
Another thing to consider is how much use the cot bed will get. If you plan on using it from birth to childhood or for more than one child, then it's definitely worth the investment.
Is cot bed good for newborn?
A cot bed is a great choice for newborns because it provides a comfortable and safe sleep environment. Cot beds are designed to be smaller than regular adult beds, which makes them the perfect size for infants. They also have side rails that help keep babies from rolling out of bed. You may choose to start with something smaller such as a moses basket.
Another great feature of cot beds is that they can be converted into toddler beds as your child grows. This allows you to save money by not having to purchase a separate toddler bed later on. Cot beds are also easy to assemble and often come with a mattress included (be sure to check if your choice does!).
What age do most cot deaths occur?
Cot deaths or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) usually occur during the first 6 months of life. However, it is possible for them to occur at any age during a baby's first year.
How much does a good cot cost?
It depends on the quality of the cot. A good cot can range in price from around £50 for a budget cot bed to £1,000 or more for a premium cot bed.
The cheapest cots are typically made from materials such as pressed wood or metal. They're generally not very sturdy and can be dangerous for young children.
Cots that cost a bit more tend to be made from better materials, such as solid wood or bamboo. They're sturdier and safer for babies and young children. They may also come with features such as adjustable mattresses and bed sides that can be lowered as your child grows older.
Which material is best for cot?
Some people prefer wooden cots as they are more sturdy, while others prefer metal cots as they are easier to clean and have a longer lifespan. PVC cots are also popular due to their low price tag, but they often lack the sturdiness of wooden or metal cots.
Is a co sleeper better than a cot?
Co sleeping can be beneficial as it allows parents to keep an eye on their baby and helps to create a strong bond between parent and child. However, there is also the risk of baby becoming too dependent on parents and not being able to sleep independently.
A bedside crib can be a good option for babies who want their own space while still in the same room, as it allows them to have their own designated sleeping area and are recommended by the NHS as the best ways to avoid SIDS.
Which is better a camp cot or wooden cot?
Camp cots are lightweight and easy to set up. Wooden cots are bulkier and more difficult to move around.
Camp cots usually have a metal frame with a fabric or nylon bed. They fold up for easy transport and can be set up in minutes. Wooden cots have a wooden frame and are covered with canvas or some other type of fabric. They're less portable than camp cots, but they're more comfortable and sturdier than camp cots.
Which is better cot or bed?
A cot is better for a baby.
A cot is the best place for a baby to sleep because it has a firm surface and is more likely to be safe. It's also good as it allows baby a clear space to sleep with no toys or other objects. Remember it's important to put your baby to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS.
A toddler's cot bed is the best option when your baby is a little older and there are many stylish cot bed options.
What should you not put in a cot?
There are a few things you should avoid putting in a cot. For instance, you should never put anything sharp or pointy in there, as it could injure your child.
Additionally, you should avoid leaving pillows, stuffed animals, or other soft objects in the cot with your child, as they could suffocate. Finally, you should avoid placing your child in the cot near any windows or fans that have cords that they could potentially wrap around their necks.
Where should a baby's cot be placed in a room?
A baby's cot should be placed in a room that's away from windows and draughts, and it should also be out of direct sunlight. It's also a good idea to place the cot somewhere where there isn't a lot of noise, as this can be disruptive for a baby.
Do you put a baby at the top or bottom of a cot?
When you put a baby to sleep, it's best to put them at the bottom of the cot. This is because if they were to roll onto their stomach, they're less likely to be able to turn back over. Babies should always be placed on their backs when going to sleep in order to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
So, Which brand baby bed is best?
It depends on what you are looking for in a baby bed. Some brands are better for safety, some brands are better for design, and others are better for price, so I have read through thousands of reviews from verified customers on Amazon to find the best options for you.
Once you have found the perfect cot bed for your little one, you’ll need the perfect mattress to fit. Check out my review on cot bed mattresses.
I hope you’ve found the information above useful, as a first-time parent I often wish I had access to information like this so I want to help other parents through the minefield that is parenthood!
All of the cot beds above are available on Amazon so click ‘Check price on Amazon’ to see which cot beds work best for you.
Thanks for reading!
