12 of the best cot beds to buy in 2024 all tested by parents and babies

Choosing between the best cot bed for your baby is no easy task — but that's where our parent-approved guide comes in. 

The best cot beds do it all. Some double up as brilliant storage spaces for stashing spare bedding, most come with an adjustable mattress base so that it’s easier to reach your baby and others look like a work of art, while making for a comfy and safe spot to rest your little one’s head. 

But aside from this, how do cot beds differ from conventional cots? Or the best beside cribs? Getting more bang for your buck, cot beds allow your baby to continue to sleep in it long after toddlerhood. A standard cot typically needs to be replaced with a bed once your child is around three years old, whereas you can simply convert a cot bed into a bed at this stage. So it's pretty handy, right?

But how do you find the best cot bed for your little one? Of course, the best cot bed for your baby is one that fits your budget, taste and wish list of features. Whether that’s in terms of size, style or storage space.

So, to help you work out which one to consider buying, we shortlisted our pick of the best cot beds and then assembled a panel of parents to put them to the test. All the cot beds featured are suitable from birth and we asked our testers to try out the cot beds for several weeks with their babies, aged between 12 weeks and two years old. Here’s what they had to say...

The quick list

Need quick help to choose the best cot bed to buy? Here's our verdict...

Best cot bed 2024 — tried and tested by parents 

Best cot bed overall

Tested by: Donna and her seven-month-old Daisy.

Our baby gear expert says: Suitable from birth to four years old, the Little Wren Cot Bed from the Great Little Trading Company is built from solid pine with a white painted finish. It has three mattress height settings, so you can lower the base as your baby gets older. 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 is sold separately (£125).

This is a timeless, stylish, and robust cot bed. It will look beautiful in any nursery, according to our tester Donna, who is mum to seven-month-old Daisy.

Our tester, Donna, says: "There is a real sense of class about it. It oozes quality and you can 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 Daisy’s 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."

To convert the cot into a toddler bed, you simply remove one of the cot’s side panels and attach the toddler rail supplied. Under-cot storage drawers and a range of matching furniture are available to buy separately if you like the coordinated look.

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 Daisy’s cot sheets. And it really is beautiful to look at.” What more could your little sleeper need?

Read more: Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cotbed review

Best premium cot bed

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Tested by: Gemma who is mum to Boden, 13 months.

Our baby gear expert says: This is a sturdy and stylish cot bed with three adjustable heights so that you can adjust it as your baby grows. Eventually, you can 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. "The Willox Adjustable Cot Bed is available in two colours – off-white or green – and we opted for green as it looked very unique," she explains.

Our tester, Gemma, says: "I was curious to see the colour in real-life as colours can look different online but I wasn't disappointed. 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. And even though it's described as vintage, it's a stunning, stylish piece that would look great in a modern nursery."

At bedtime, the cot bed easily stood up to the ‘trampoline test’ inflicted on it by our little tester. "Like many other little ones, Boden loves to hold onto the frame and bounce up and down," says Gemma. "He also uses the bars to pull himself up to a standing position, so the frame takes a lot of his weight. From an online description or photo, you can't always judge how robust baby furniture will be, but the Willox seems very sturdy and well made."

Verdict: Overall, Gemma was wowed by this cot. "Boden seemed very happy and content in it – he drifted off easily and slept well," she says. "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

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Best for longevity

Tested by: Kate and her son, Blake, aged six months.

Our baby gear expert says: The SnüzKot Skandi Cot Bed is an elegant cot bed available in 16 different designs and an array of different colours. Longevity is its standout feature, as it can be used from birth up to age four, or until your child is 10 years old if you buy the extension kit (sold separately). The cot has three mattress settings, so you can adjust the height as your little one grows.

Our tester, Kate, says: "It took a while to assemble, but it was worth the effort. It took two of us about 90 minutes to put together but now it's assembled, it goes really well in our nursery and looks amazing. 

"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. The recommended 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. "It's significantly less expensive than many other similar Scandi-inspired cots, but the fact that it can be used up to age four (or even ten) makes it a true investment piece," she says.

Verdict: The finish on the wood wasn't flawless, according to Kate, but that's likely due to the fact that it's made from natural beech wood with no MDF or veneer.

 The assembled cot looks "really beautiful" and Kate feels it looks more expensive than it is. "This is the ideal cot bed for anyone who loves stylishly designed products - if you can cope with it being a little fiddly to assemble," she says.

 "And if you're looking for a contemporary cot bed that's the perfect balance of aesthetics and long-lasting functionality, this is it."

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Best quality

Tested by: Michelle and her son Finn 

Our baby gear expert says: Classic in its design, kitted out with a smart panelled look and painted in a timeless matt cream, we named the Nostalgia Cot bed as the best pick for build quality. And it's all thanks to the quality of the solid, sturdy wood materials used. 

Like many of the other cot beds in this guide, this nursery addition can be used from newborn to toddlerhood — but this cot will take sleepers right up until the age of four. To do so, you'll just have to adjust the height levels for your baby's safety and comfort and then, when they're ready, adapt into a cot bed for your toddler. 

Our tester, Michelle, says: "I would recommend the cot bed to friends who have boisterous toddlers this is a safe and sturdy cot that is immovable by toddlers who might grab the sides and try to rock it."

Another plus point was the assembly process. "It came with a bespoke Allen key which was really handy for the trickier-to-reach corner screws," Michelle explains. With clear instructions and a simple build, the cot was built in just twelve minutes. "I like that the slats for the mattress are fixed, that gives it a quality feel and it wasn't fiddly to line them up or secure them in place," she adds. 

However, our tester found one fault with this product and that's the extensive packaging. "The cot arrived in two tall and heavy cardboard boxes which had everything we needed to build the item," Michelle told us. 

Verdict: "The cot bed is sturdy and feels solid which is comforting to know that there is no way my toddler could tip it or rock it," Michelle says. "We were impressed by the overall finish." It comes with a £650 RRP, so it's an expensive addition to any nursery. But this is a price our tester thought was 'good value for money' when you factor in the years that it will be in use for. "Knowing it could take your baby from newborn to four years old makes it an investment piece of nursery furniture that can evolve with your family needs," she says. "Overall it is so smart and elegant to look at and I was excited for my son to get cosy and comfortable in his new bed," Michelle adds. 

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Best Budget

Tested by: Emma and her one-year-old son Charlie.

Our baby gear expert says: This simple but stylish solid pine cot bed is suitable from birth to three years. 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. 

Our tester, Emma, says: "The quality was beyond what I expected for the price," she says. "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.

But the large storage drawer and adjustable base are what make this one of the best cot beds if you're on a budget. "A storage drawer is a feature I'd expect on a premium cot bed, not a budget model – it's so useful and helps make a busy toddler's mess a bit more manageable," she says. "I felt confident loading it with blankets, toys and all sorts of things I want hide neatly out of sight. 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 finish is also a little less luxurious than other cots – something we'd expect, given that this cot bed costs less than £150. "The screws that hold the bed together are visible on the edges of the wood, which detracts a little from the overall minimal, stylish look," she says. "The edge of the toddler bed guard also seems a little sharp on the corners."

Verdict: That said, if you're buying a cot bed on a budget and want more than the basics in terms of style and design without spending more, this is definitely one of the best cot beds for you.

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Best for assembly

Tested by: Annie and her 12-week-old Leo.

Our baby gear expert says: Mamas & Papas Franklin Cot Bed is available in white or grey. It has an under-bed storage drawer to help stash away bedding and a handy hanging rail for storing muslins or blankets. It's suitable from birth to four years, and the adjustable base has two height positions. Teething rails are included.

Our tester, Annie, says: "My first impressions were that it looked very stylish and the drawer would come in very handy. The whole process from delivery to assembly couldn't have been easier. This is a beautiful, stylish cot bed that will save you money and a lot of hassle in the long run."

Happily, putting the cot together was a doddle. "We've put together many many flat packs in the past, but none of those compares to how easy this was to assemble," Annie says. "The instructions were so easy to read and every element was labelled alphabetically, making it foolproof - even for those who've never put together flat-pack furniture!"

Our tester's favourite feature is the storage drawer. "This may seem like a minor detail, but when you have limited storage space in your home, a drawer beneath the cot is a major help. I keep bed sheets, blankets, swaddles and towels in it."

Verdict: Overall, Annie feels this is a classy and well-made cot bed. "At first glance, this seems a bit pricey, especially if you're on a budget," she says. "But you can 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."

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Best budget buy

Tested by: Gabrielle and her daughter Milla, aged two.

Our baby gear expert says: The Midi Cot Bed from Mokee impressed us with its longevity – it's suitable from birth up to age five. Highly affordable, it comes in four colours with lots of matching accessories available to buy separately. That's handy if you're kitting out a nursery and want to coordinate your look to match your cot. It's made from high-quality beechwood with a removable panel to transform the cot into a toddler bed. It also has an impressive range of mattress base positions (seven in total), depending on the age and size of your baby.

Our tester, Gabrielle, says:  "The open, slatted design makes it easy to check on your sleeping child, and the mattress seems very good quality and comfortable. We tested this as a toddler bed by removing the panel, and our daughter took to it really well. 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. There's little point in buying a cheaper model if you'll only end up replacing it because it doesn't stand the test of time. But that's not an issue with this cot bed. Whether you're kitting out the nursery on a budget or just don't want to spend over the odds on the cot, this is the ideal cot bed solution for saving money.

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. It's excellent value for money but it looks great in our baby's room," she told us. 

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Best cot with wheels

Tested by: Jill who is mum to Grace, aged six months.

Our baby gear expert says: The Oasis Oval Cot by Boori is a distinctive, curved cot bed made from sustainable solid wood. 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. Alternatively, you can position it close to your bed at night instead of using a Moses basket or bedside crib.

Our tester, Jill, says she 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. "When Grace rolls around in the cot, she doesn't get stuck in a corner as she might in a rectangular cot," she says.

"The shape also means the cot bed can take centre stage in a child's bedroom, rather than being shoved up against a wall. 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."

Another advantage of the size and shape of this cot is the fact that it fits through standard door frames. This means it's super easy to move into a nursery or toddler bedroom when the time comes for your little one to sleep in their own room.

And when your child becomes a toddler, one end can be removed and you can add a foot bar so the child can climb in and out. Later on, you'll also have the option of removing the side to turn the bed into a child's sofa. "I am a little nervous that entry via the foot of the bed may be slightly bizarre for a toddler," says Jill. "Also, it may be tricky when she needs to get out of bed quickly. However, it's great that you don't have to worry about little ones falling out of bed, or buy a separate bed guard."

Verdict: Thanks to its compact design, this Oasis Oval Cot by Boori is a great fit for those short on space and love the look of something a bit different. It will also suit little sleepers who tend to move around in their sleep, as the oval design means they won't get 'stuck'. 

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Best for small rooms

Tested by: Catherine and her son Robin, aged 19 months.

Our baby gear expert says: This 'mini' model is smaller than standard cot beds, so it's ideal for smaller bedrooms. It's also a good choice if you're looking for a neutral cot bed that will look good alongside existing nursery decor or furniture.

The Coleby Mini Cotbed is designed for use up to around four years of age. It has three mattress positions, meaning you can lower the base to prevent your little one from climbing out. When it's time to move on from a cot, it's easy to convert to a toddler bed. 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. 

Our tester, Catherine, says: "It's a sleek and stylish cot bed that would look good in any nursery. 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.

"However, one of the screw holes hadn't been drilled all the way through and the paint finish was a little patchy in places, but I had this assembled by myself in less than 50 minutes."

If you're looking for a cot bed that's robust enough to suit an energetic toddler, this is one of the best cot beds you could go for. "It feels very solid and well built, with very little 'give' in the structure," says Catherine. "My 'wriggle bum toddler puts it through its paces by thrashing about at night and trying to wobble the sides when he wakes up. 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.

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10. Best sleigh bed design

Tested by: Vicky and her six-month-old baby, Alicia.

Our baby gear expert says: The Snowdon is a sleigh bed in style, but it doesn't have the bulky, chunky feel that you usually get from this type of cot bed. Instead, it has a slim, streamlined aesthetic but it doesn't skimp on space-saving storage which is neatly tucked away under the bed with a wheel-out storage drawer. 

This cot bed is also easy to assemble and it has a bed base that's adjustable through three different settings as your child grows.

Our tester, Vicky, says: "The Snowdon is a sleigh bed that doesn't take up the entire room. And it's great that it adapts to become a toddler bed, so we'll get years of use out of it. 

"My son has just turned three and is still in the bed part of his old cot, so a cot bed is a good investment for several years. I also really like the look of the Snowdon Classic when it's set up as a toddler bed."

The under-bed storage drawer also makes it a good option if you're battling with a smaller space. "Babies need so much stuff that you end up having to pack things under their cot," our tester says. "Having the drawer means you can put it away neatly and roll it back out for access, rather than scrabbling around under the cot to find things stored there."

While the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Cotbed is on the pricier side, its value comes in the years of use you'll get from it. "It's not cheap," says Vicky. "But it has a simple, stylish design, and the storage drawer is genuinely useful, particularly if you need a cot bed for a small nursery."

Verdict: The higher price point wouldn't put Vicky off from recommending it to friends: "It's stylish but not too bulky, and overall it looks and feels of good quality. It will last for years so it's good value." 

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11. Best Scandi style

Tested by: Charlie and her 13 month old, Seb.

Our baby gear expert says: Stokke is a premium brand for children's products such as high chairs and nursery equipment and the Stokke Sleepi Cot Bed is another great example of this quality-led Scandi business. 

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. Our tester particularly liked the look of this cot bed and also the way it can 'grow' with the child - as the side can be removed to turn it into a toddler bed.

Our tester, Charlie, says: "Once put together, the design was very stylish — the natural colourway looked great in Seb's room, and I think it would work well with most nursery palettes. The quality of the mattress felt really good - it was firm, and even withstood a few bouncing sessions from Seb!".

"The quality of the wood was also really good - again, with a toddler who has a tendency to chew on things, it retained its freshness while we were reviewing it and didn't come away with too many scratches and dents."

Verdict: This is perfect for someone who is happy to spend a little bit more on a premium product that's stylish and a long-term investment. "I have - friends who are expecting I've suggested getting the Mini and then expanding it to the Sleepi so that they have a product that'll last their little one for years and they're not spending out on multiple cots like many of us do," Charlie says. "It's more expensive than some other cots but lasts a long time and is really good quality."

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12. Best for storage

Tested by: Grace and her 11 month old daughter. 

Our baby gear expert says: It's important to note that this cot bed is very large in size. 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. We love the fact that it comes with plenty of great extras like a gigantic storage drawer, a teething rail and three adjustable heights. This means it grows with your child up to the age of four.

Our tester, Grace, says: "We knew the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cot Bed was going to be generously sized by looking at the measurements online before its arrival, but we were still surprised to see it arrived in three separate, and very large, boxes."

Despite its bulky size, Grace found the cot bed easy to assemble. "All the pieces were well packaged, with no damage or dents. It took us about ten minutes to unpack everything, and take all the empty boxes outside," she said. 

"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. "On this top bar comes a plastic rail, which was already attached, and is especially made to be safe for baby or child to chew on while they're teething. This means that their teeth are protected, and the wood of the cot is protected too!" 

Verdict: It's worth noting that, while you get everything you need with this large cot, you don't need it all at the same time and there will be parts that you'll have to store away.  

Therefore, due to its relatively large size, it would be better for someone who has a larger nursery and plenty of space. Grace thought that the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed would also suit 'someone who is looking for a long-lasting cotbed that doesn't scrimp on appearance or bonus features.'

• Read more: Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cot Bed Review 

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5 things to consider before buying a cot bed

1. A cot bed saves you money
The benefit of a cot bed is obvious; it converts from a cot to a bed. This means you won't need to buy a toddler bed when your baby outgrows the cot and is ready to start sleeping in a big bed. In other words, you'll save money. And who doesn't like doing that?!

2. A cot bed helps your child cope with change
But the other advantage of a cot bed is that it can help your little one to make the transition from sleeping in a cot to moving into a bed. It's a big change for a little one, and the familiarity of going to sleep in the same piece of furniture can help to smooth this important transition.

3. Check the cot bed dimensions before you buy
Before you decide which is the best cot bed, remember that your baby should sleep in the same room as you for the first six months of life. That means it's important to check the dimensions of the cot bed to ensure it will fit in your bedroom if you plan to use if from birth. Some cot beds are bulkier than others so if you're short on space in your room, choose one of the more compact models. Alternatively, you could use a Moses basket beside your bed for the first six months and then move your baby into a cot bed in the nursery.

4. Don't forget to think about the visuals
It's easy to get caught up in the spec or the safety features when you're shopping for the best cot bed but don't forget to consider the design and style of your baby's room. Since a cot bed will be in use for longer than a standard cot, choose one that will suit the look and feel of your little one's first bedroom.

5. Location, location, location
Also, think about where you plan to position your baby's cot or toddler's cot bed. A cot or cot bed should be kept well away from radiators to reduce the risk of your baby overheating. Never place a cot near windows or looped window blind cords either if you have them, as these are a safety risk.

How to choose the best cot bed

There are three factors to take into consideration when deciding which is the best cot bed for you:

• Price - Work out your budget, taking into account that you won't need to fork out for a toddler bed at a later date.
• Size - Measure the space where you'll be using the cot, factoring in that you may wish to use it from birth and that the safest place for your baby to sleep during the first six months is in a bed of their own in the room where you sleep. After six months, your baby could sleep in a cot in a room of their own. 
• Functionality - Decide which features are essentials and which you can live without. A storage drawer is handy for keeping spare bedding, nappies and sleepsuits, especially if you're short on space, but consider whether it's a design feature that you're happy to pay more for. 

Cot bed safety

• Cot bars: These should be vertical, with a distance of no more than 6.5cm between the bars. This is to ensure your baby's limbs don't get stuck between the bars.
• Depth and space: The distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the cot sides should be at least 50cm, to help prevent your baby from climbing out of the cot.
• Circulation: Some experts recommend cots with four sides that have bars to allow air to circulate freely around your baby.

Not only does the cot need to comply with a variety of rules and regulations; the mattress does too.

• New is best: Buying a new mattress is strongly recommended. It must be clean, dry, free from cracks and tears with no sagging.
• Firm: Choose a firm mattress rather than a soft one, and make sure it's no thinner than 8cm.
• Size matters: There are two sizes of cot mattresses – standard and continental. Check which one is compatible with the cot you choose.
• Hygiene: It’s a good idea to choose a mattress with a removable, machine-washable cover. We hate to mention it, but nappies - and babies - sometimes leak! A mattress protector is also a good idea for the same reason.

Our review process

Our Deputy Editor Heidi Scrimgeour came up with a shortlist of cot beds based on her product knowledge and industry research. She looked at the latest offering from the market-leading brands - and as a mum of three and a parenting journalist for 15 years, what she doesn't know about baby products isn't worth knowing. 

Next, she selected the final product line-up from a broad range of price points so there's a best cot bed recommendation here to suit all budgets. Then, we called on our pool of reliable parent testers and assigned each of them a cot bed to review with their baby. They tested the product rigorously for at least ten days.

After this, our parent testers gave each product a rating out of five for overall performance. We also asked for comprehensive feedback on key factors including design appeal, functionality (how easy is it to assemble and move between rooms), sturdiness, value for money, and how easy each cot bed was to assemble and convert to a toddler bed. We used all of this feedback to create this best cot bed buying guide and the accompanying in-depth product reviews.

Read more about how we test so you can rely on our guidance. 

Once you've settled on the best cot bed, take a look at our guide to choosing the best cot mattress. If you're not convinced a cot bed is right for you, read about the best Moses baskets and the best bedside cribs instead. And to prep for some seriously sound sleeping, check out the best baby monitors and the best baby sleeping bags.