Choosing a cot for your baby will be one of the most important purchases you make. Not only will it provide them with their own sleeping space, but a cot will also keep them comfortable and, above all, safe.
Most baby cots are suitable from 0-6 months old. A standard cot will see your child through until they’re around two years old, but there are plenty that convert into toddler beds and cater to their sleeping needs right up until they’re ten (with the suitable conversion kit). Some baby cots come with built-in storage, while others can be adjusted to different levels to keep babies safe when they get to the point at which they’re able to move around or pull themselves up.
So, with an array of options available, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite tried-and-tested baby cots, alongside a short guide on what to look out for when shopping for the best cot for your newborn or impending arrival.
Best baby cot: At a glance
- Best baby cot for value: John Lewis Anyday Elementary Baby Cot | £129
- Best baby cot for minimal design: SnuzKot Haze Grey Baby Cot | £379
- Best baby cot for smaller rooms: Ickle Bubba Coleby Space Saver | £149
How to choose the best baby cot for you
When buying a baby cot, the main factors to consider are size, safety standards, style and budget.
What are the advantages of buying a baby cot?
A baby cot is sturdier and safer than a moses basket, and some can convert into cot beds. The latter models allow you to save money in the long run, providing your baby with a sleep solution for years to come, rather than just months.
Another advantage of opting for a cot bed is that your baby can learn to sleep in one place for a longer stint. They’ll be familiar with their cot and won’t need to make a transition into an alternative bed, which can prove difficult for some. This creates a feeling of safety and relaxation for your baby, which will hopefully help them settle more quickly.
What size of cot should I buy?
Cots are smaller than cot beds, at around 50-60cm wide, meaning they may fit in your bedroom more easily (the NHS recommends that a baby sleeps in the same room as their parents until they’re six months old). However, the length of a baby cot can vary, ranging from between 90cm to around 140cm, so if your nursery has limited space, you might want to opt for a shorter cot.
READ NEXT: The best mattresses to buy
If space isn’t an issue, then a longer bed will likely see your child through for a longer time, making it the more cost-effective solution. You could also opt for a bedside cot with a removable side, so it can be positioned to the side of your own bed in the early days.
What safety standards should a baby cot meet?
Cots and cot beds should adhere to some safety requirements. For example, European Standard EN 716-1:2017 states that the gap between the bars of a cot shouldn’t be any wider than 6.5cm to avoid your baby’s limbs becoming stuck in between them. It’s also recommended that the distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the cot sides is at least 50cm, to prevent your baby from climbing out, while other experts recommend that a cot has bars on all four sides to help with air flow.
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How much should I spend?
Baby cots can cost anywhere between £100 and £700 or more. For a bed of a decent size and spec, you can expect to pay an average of around £150-£350. Some beds come with the mattress included, and although these may initially appear expensive, they’re often a more cost-effective solution than buying the frame and the mattress separately. How much you spend will ultimately come down to a cot’s suitability to fulfil your particular needs.
Do I need extra features?
There are a few extras to look out for when shopping around for a good baby cot. These include features such as teething rails to protect the baby’s gums (and the cot itself), a cot base with height adjustability, and extra space for storage in the form of drawers or built-in shelves. Also consider toddler bed conversion kits and the option to add a mattress with a protective cover to your order.
READ NEXT: The best travel cots to buy
The best baby cot you can buy in 2023
1. SnuzKot Haze Grey Skandi: The best minimalist baby cot
Price: £379 | Buy now from Snuz
It’s the simple design that gives this cot by Snuz its sleek and modern feel. It’s beautifully made and easy to assemble, which will make life easier for new parents-to-be who are likely to have a million and one things to remember before their baby’s arrival (or perhaps the baby is already here, and you need a quick solution).
The cot offers three mattress height options, sitting high to make it easier for you to lift out your newborn, and moving down as they become more mobile. In addition, the SnuzKot doesn’t take up too much space, meaning it’s ideal for use in smaller bedrooms and nurseries.
The cot comes packaged in several boxes, which is handy for carrying it upstairs before putting it together – although bear in mind that this means more packaging to dispose of afterwards. Buy the SnuzKot Junior Bed Extension kit for £80, and this versatile cot will see your child through to the age of ten years old.
Key specs – Age: 0 months to 4 years as standard (10 years, with extension kit); Mattress height positions: 3; Size: 72 x 133 x 89cm (WLH); Material: Wood and plywood frame, stainless steel fixings;Warranty: Not specified; Other details: Self-assembly required, mattress sold separately
Buy now from Snuz
2. Ickle Bubba Coleby Space Saver: The best compact baby cot
Price: £149 | Buy now from Ickle Bubba
For a complete cot package, we love this option from Ickle Bubba: it comes in at only £149, with the mattress included. Suitable from birth to 18 months old, it offers three mattress height positions to help keep baby as safe as possible. This adjustability is great for parents, too, saving your back from aching as a result of bending over to lift baby in and out of the cot.
The fibre mattress is of a decent thickness at 10cm, it’s breathable and hypoallergenic, arriving with a water-resistant removable cover. The cot itself is a compact size, is easy to assemble and feels sturdy, giving parents peace of mind that their baby is safe while they sleep. It also has a teething rail to protect baby and the cot itself from damage when your little one begins cutting their teeth.
Key specs – Age: 0-18 months; Mattress height positions: 3; Size: 56 x 104 x 89cm (WLH); Material: Solid and MDF wood, fibre mattress; Warranty: 4yrs Other details: Self-assembly required, mattress included
Buy now from Ickle Bubba
3. IKEA Sniglar Cot: The best budget baby cot
Price: £69 | Buy now from IKEA
The transition from a moses basket to a cot doesn’t have to be costly or take up too much space. The Sniglar cot from IKEA is a simple, cute solution to help keep your baby comfortable in a new sleep setting. Made of solid beech wood, this cot is durable and wipes clean effortlessly.
As with most IKEA cots and cot beds, the mattress and cot bedding is sold separately – although, being IKEA, the mattress and cover will still likely beat other options on price (you’ll have to factor in IKEA’s delivery costs if you’re not picking up in store, though).
The cot base is adjustable to two heights, is easy to assemble and will match any decor, making it suitable for your bedroom as well as a nursery, when your baby moves into their own space.
Key specs – Age: Not listed; Mattress height positions: 2; Size: 66 x 124 x 80cm (WLH); Material: Solid beech; Warranty:Not specified;Other details: Self-assembly required (assembly service offered for £27), mattress sold separately
4. SNOO Smart Sleeper: The best premium baby cot
Price: £1,195 | Buy now from Happiest Baby
One of the most popular and innovative cots to hit the market, the Smart Sleeper by SNOO is a clever – albeit expensive – cot that uses app connectivity to soothe your baby into the most comfortable sleep possible. Using womb-like motions and sounds, this cot will help buy you an extra hour to put your feet up, catch up on some sleep yourself (or to tidy up, cook or do the laundry).
Having a newborn is hard, but having a SNOO can help babies learn to keep to a routine, while also limiting the number of times that they (and you) wake up through the night; if baby wakes in the middle of the night, the cot springs into action and soothes them back to sleep. It also has superior safety features and ensures that the baby is on its back and that the blankets haven’t unravelled.
Key specs – Age: 0-6 months; Mattress height positions: 3; Size: 48.3 x 90.8 x 81.9cm (WLH); Material: Wood and plywood frame, stainless steel fixings; Warranty: 1yr;Other details: Self-assembly required, mattress, water-resistant cover, three ivory organic cotton SNOO sleep sacks (S, M and L) included
Buy now from Happiest Baby
5. John Lewis Anyday Elementary Cot: The best-value baby cot
Price: £129 | Buy now from John Lewis
A sturdy cot at a decent price actually isn’t too difficult to come by these days, as evidenced by this John Lewis elementary cot. The beloved and trusted brand has once again delivered a good-value baby product that’s suitable until your child reaches two years old. The cot offers two height levels, and is ideal for newborns as well as older babies.
This cot is easy to assemble, wipes clean and, if you fancy making it a bit more plush, you can purchase John Lewis’ premium fibre mattress for the perfect pairing. The cot’s simple, crisp white colour also makes it an ideal match for any nursery decor.
Key specs – Age: 0-24 months; Mattress height positions: 2; Size: 65 x 124 x 93.5cm (WLH); Material: Solid pine;Warranty:Not specified;Other details: Self-assembly required, mattress sold separately
Buy now from John Lewis
6. Mamas & Papas Petite Cot: The best baby cot for smaller rooms
Price: £99 |
Made to be kept in your bedroom or small nurseries, the Petite Cot from Mamas & Papas features a base that’s adjustable to two heights. It’s compact, easy to assemble and has an extremely sturdy build overall. The price is so reasonable that many parents opt to use this affordable, well-made and compact cot as an extra sleep solution at the grandparents’ house when they visit.
Finished in white, it will fit well with many nursery colour schemes, and it holds the small perfectly. You can buy the cot and mattress separately, or you can opt for the cot and mattress bundle. We love how super-cute this small cot looks, and that it will last until your baby is 18 months old.
Key specs – Age: 0-18 months; Mattress height positions: 2; Size: 63.5 x 95.5 x 89.5cm (WLH); Material: Not specified;Warranty: Not specified;Other details: Self-assembly required, mattress sold separately
7. Mack + Milo Amburgey Cot: The best baby cot with mattress
Price: £210 | Buy now from Wayfair
Parents’ minds will be at ease when baby is put down to sleep in this super sturdy cot from Mack + Milo. It arrives with the added bonus of a built-in drawer, which can be used for storing sheets, blankets, clothes or any other baby bits and bobs. It features a teething rail, and offers a two-position adjustable mattress height. It can even be converted into a toddler bed once your baby is through the early years.
As well as being a quality cot at a reasonable price, the Amburgey also arrives with a 6cm-deep mattress. And it’s available in four colourways (pine, grey, matte mint and white), meaning there’s an option to match any style of nursery.
Key specs – Age: 0-36 months; Mattress height positions: 2; Size: 65 x 124 x 90cm (WLH); Material: Solid pine wood; Warranty: 1yr; Other details: Self-assembly required, mattress included, converts to toddler bed (toddler guard rails included)
Buy now from Wayfair
8. Stokke Sleepi Bed V3: The best baby cot for small spaces
Price: £529 | Buy now from Stokke
This stylish cot bed from Scandinavian-designed brand Stokke is as practical as it is aesthetically pleasing. The first thing to note is its oval shape, which makes it look more modern than typical rectangular-shaped cots, while its second huge selling point is its longevity.
Suitable from birth, it can later be converted into a cot bed by releasing the side and adjusting the height of the mattress. The brand estimates that the Sleepi Bed V3 will see most children through to the age of five. Its shape saves space in a small nursery while allowing for maximum air circulation, and the cot’s lockable swivel wheels allow it to be easily moved if necessary.
The cot arrives unassembled in several boxes, which might result in a feeling of dread in even the most confident of flat-pack assemblers. However, we’re happy to report that it took just five minutes to assemble once it was unpacked. A matching oval mattress and sheets are available for £199and£27 respectively.
Like all of Stokke’s baby products, this is an investment buy, but it’s high quality and built to last.
Key specs – Age: 0-5 years; Mattress height positions: 4; Size: 141 x 74 x 87cm (WLH); Material: FSC®-certified pine wood; Warranty: 7yrs Other details: Self-assembly required, mattress not included, converts to toddler bed
FAQs
Best baby cot 2023: Sleep solutions for newborns and toddlers? ›
In British English, a cot is a bed for a baby. A cot has high sides to prevent the baby from falling out. In American English, a bed like this is called a crib.
What is the American version of cot? ›In British English, a cot is a bed for a baby. A cot has high sides to prevent the baby from falling out. In American English, a bed like this is called a crib.
Are cot beds safe for newborns? ›For the first 6 months the safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot, crib or moses basket in your room beside your bed and in the same room as you, for all sleeps.
What type of baby cot is good? ›Wooden cot for Stay at Home Parents
Conversely, if you are planning on spending 99% of your evenings at home, a wooden cot would be the better option. Wooden cots are practical and durable. Investing in a good quality cot will ensure a place to sleep for any future babies to come.
Most children move from cot to bed when they're between two and three years old. There's no hurry, though. And there are some advantages to leaving your child in a cot if they're happy there. For example, your child can't fall out of the cot.
What is the difference between a cot cot bed and crib? ›What's the difference between a cot and a crib? In the UK, the majority of people use the term 'cot' instead of 'crib'. But globally, it's actually the opposite way around. This is mainly because cot is used more often in British English, while crib is used more commonly in American English.
Is there a difference between a cot and a cot bed? ›Cots are ideal for babies from birth up until around 2 years old, or until they start to try and climb out. Cot beds, on the other hand, are a larger and more versatile option. They are similar in design to cots, but the sides can be lowered to turn them into a toddler bed.
Do babies sleep better in cot or bassinet? ›A bassinet is suitable from newborn to around 4-6 months of age, when they start to roll or sit. At this stage you should transfer them to a cot. Therefore, when you consider the first 4 years of your child's life, you will need to buy a cot.
Is a co-sleeper better than a cot? ›Co-sleeper cots - advantages
The most important advantage of such a co-sleeper cot is that the child stays next to you. Thanks to this you do not have to get out of bed every time you want to feed or soothe the little one. The ability to lower one side of a co-sleeper cot is a great convenience for parents.
Most children move from a cot to a bed between the ages of 18 months and 3½ years. There is no set time to move your child, but it is probably safest to wait until they are 2. You might consider moving your child into a bed when: they have outgrown the cot.
What age should you potty train? ›
Many children show signs of being ready for potty training between ages 18 and 24 months. However, others might not be ready until they're 3 years old. There's no rush. If you start too early, it might take longer to train your child.
How do I keep my toddler in bed at night? ›Use storybooks, lullabies, bedtime talk to help your child fall asleep. Leave the door open. Leave on a night light. If your toddler gets up, walk them back to bed, tuck them in, and remind them about the routine.
What is the safest type of cot mattress? ›Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition
Make sure your baby's mattress is in good condition and that it fits the Moses basket or cot properly. Do not use a sheepskin in a cot or Moses basket or other sleep space. It is important that baby's sleep space is firm, flat and has a waterproof cover.
The difference between a bassinet and a cot is mainly the size - bassinets are typically smaller than standard cots and allow your baby to get closer to your bed, making breastfeeding and bonding time simpler. However, babies usually outgrow bassinets by the time they reach around four to six months old.
Where not to put a cot? ›Don't put the cot near a radiator, heater or fire, or in direct sunlight, and don't use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to warm the cot. If your baby gets too hot, he may be more at risk of SIDS. When you're buying your baby's cot and bedding, always keep safe sleeping in mind.
Is it good to buy a baby cot? ›It's the safest place for a baby to sleep, promotes independent sleep, leaves you with your own bed, keeps baby safe, and can often convert into a toddler bed and full size bed.
Why buy a baby cot? ›It provides a safe space for your baby to sleep and play. It also helps to keep your baby in one place, preventing them from rolling off the bed or out of their crib. Additionally, it allows you to monitor your baby's movements and ensure that they are safe and secure.
How to buy a cot for a baby? ›- Space. The size of your room, whether it's the nursery or your bedroom, can make a huge difference when choosing the cot. ...
- Adjustable base height. Look for a cot that comes with an adjustable base. ...
- Teething Rails. ...
- Safety First. ...
- From infancy to toddlerhood.
They don't need a pillow to sleep comfortably, and it can increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS. Wait until they're a toddler and have moved to their toddler bed before you introduce a pillow – this usually happens between 18 months and two years of age.
What is the best material for a cot? ›100% cotton army duck is breathable and soft and couldnt be more perfect for a cot. Our Double filled Numbered Cotton Ducks will get the job done as well and be very strong and durable!
How much should you spend on a baby cot? ›
Prices vary, but in general expect to pay around $125 to $350 for a crib, $50 to $150 for a crib mattress, $100 to $200 for a changing table and $200 to $500 for a glider chair.
What are 3 safety features when choosing a cot? ›Check that the cot is at least 500 mm deep from the top of the mattress. Also check that there are no footholds, so your child can't climb out. Make sure the cot has locking devices on the frame with clear locked positions. The locking devices should be designed so your child can't unlock them.
Is it OK to put a newborn in a crib instead of a bassinet? ›Both cribs and bassinets can be safe sleep choices for a newborn. However, they have several important differences. The most obvious one is size — a crib takes up a lot more space than a bassinet, so a bassinet can be easier in a smaller house. Their smaller size also makes bassinets more portable.
How long do most babies stay in bassinet? ›When to stop using the bassinet. Most babies should transition from the bassinet by 4 - 6 months of age due to safety and comfort factors. Check out the height, weight, and other safety recommendations from your specific bassinet manufacturer.
What age can a baby sleep in a bassinet? ›A bassinet is small bed that holds a baby in a cradle position. They are typically used for infants up to six months old and provide more mobility, as they can be moved around the room with ease. They are often used as a temporary sleeping solution before transitioning to a crib.
What can I use instead of a bassinet? ›A playard is another great bassinet alternative that will last you well into toddlerhood and can also be used as a safe place for your baby to play. Many playards even have bassinet attachments to save your back from reaching all the way down to pick up and put down your little one during those first few months.
Is co-sleeping linked to SIDS? ›Bed-sharing increases a baby's risk of dying from SIDS, especially in preterm infants (preemies), babies who had a low birth weight, and healthy full-term infants younger than 4 months old. Other things that increase this risk of death while bed-sharing include: a baby sleeping on a couch alone or with a parent.
What is the best position for a cot in bedroom? ›The safest position for your baby's cot to be placed, is in your room. It should be right up against the wall or at least 30cm away from the wall. It should not be placed near a window with curtains or blinds, near a heater or near plug points.
Where should I put my newborn during the day? ›Where should my baby sleep during the daytime? Actually, the same rules apply during the daytime as they do at night. Ideally, for the first six months, your baby will sleep in their Moses basket or cot in the same room as you even for their daytime naps .
What do you put a newborn in to sleep? ›Do not use pillows and duvets – they're not safe for babies less than a year old because of the risk of suffocation. Duvets can also make your baby too hot. Sheets and layers of blankets tucked in firmly below your baby's shoulder level or a baby sleeping bag are safe for your baby to sleep in.
Do babies sleep better in cot or Moses basket? ›
It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you have less storage space or are looking for a more portable option, a Moses basket may be better suited. If ease of access is important to you, especially if you're feeding during the night, then a bedside crib may provide this.
What age should a child be dry at night? ›By age four years, most children are reliably dry in the day. It's normal for night-time potty training to take longer. Most children learn how to stay dry at night when they are between three and five years old.
What is the 3 day potty training method? ›The three-day potty training method is a toilet training process that calls for your child to go diaper- and pants-free for three days in the house as he gets used to going to the potty regularly. The idea is that, by keeping your toddler naked from the waist down, he'll learn to be more in tune with his bodily cues.
At what age are most children out of diapers? ›The jump from wearing diapers to using the toilet is a huge childhood milestone. Most children will complete toilet training and be ready to stop using diapers between 18 and 30 months of age,1 but this certainly isn't the case for all kids. Some children are not fully out of diapers until after the age of 4.
Is it OK to lock toddler in room at night? ›“It's not OK to lock kids in their rooms,” says Dr. Lynelle Schneeberg, a licensed clinical psychologist, Yale educator, and Fellow of American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “Besides the fact that, with a well-thought-out gentle behavioral plan, it is not necessary, there is also the vital reason of safety.
What is the stay in bed technique? ›SuperNanny Stay in Bed Technique:
You are teaching your child that when they come out of their bed after they have been tucked in, they need to go straight back into it. It is bed time and this is their safe space to sleep for the night. Eventually, your little one will stop getting up and fall asleep.
Unfortunately, the psychological effects and behavioral outcomes of locking a child in their room makes the practice a terrible idea. “It's not okay to lock kids in their room,” says Lynelle Schneeberg, Psy. D., a clinical psychologist, Yale educator, and Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
What is a military cot called? ›The term camp bed is common in the United Kingdom, but in North America they are often referred to as cots. Camp beds are used by the military in temporary camps, and in emergency situations where large numbers of people are in need of housing after disasters.
Is bassinet and cot the same? ›The difference between a bassinet and a cot is mainly the size - bassinets are typically smaller than standard cots and allow your baby to get closer to your bed, making breastfeeding and bonding time simpler. However, babies usually outgrow bassinets by the time they reach around four to six months old.
Is cot another word for crib? ›synonyms for crib
On this page you'll find 42 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to crib, such as: bunk, cot, rack, bassinet, bin, and box.
What is the difference between cot and camp cot? ›
A camp cot is easy to fold and store till your next baby comes along, while a wooden cot will take a lot more space. Many parents end up selling it almost as new as on the day they it was bought.
What is the difference between cot and Ipcot? ›COT travel is authorized to the HOR and then to their duty station. IPCOT travel is authorized to the HOR and return to the overseas duty station. Round-trip travel reservations and ticketing should be provided.
What is a British cot? ›In British English, a cot is a bed for a baby. A cot has high sides to prevent the baby from falling out. In American English, a bed like this is called a crib. Put your baby's cot beside your bed.
What is a Moses cot? ›Designed to provide a comfortable, independent sleep space for your newborn in those first few months, Moses baskets and cribs are a convenient solution for keeping your baby nearby as they nap. Of course, it's possible to use a cot or cot bed from the get-go, so long as your baby is being supervised.
Is it necessary to have a baby cot? ›As part of their recommendations for crib safety and prevention of SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents use a crib as a sleeping surface for newborns. These recommendations are based on studies and research that indicates that the crib is one of the safest sleep surfaces for infants.
Is crib or cot better for a newborn? ›A crib is smaller than a cot but bigger than a Moses basket, so is considered a good in-between option for many parents-to-be. A crib can be used for sleep from newborn usually until around 4-6 months old, depending on your baby's size.
Why is it called cot? ›cot (n. 1) "small, light bed," 1630s, from Hindi khat "couch, hammock," from Sanskrit khatva, probably from a Dravidian source (compare Tamil kattil "bedstead").
What is slang for my crib? ›Slang. one's home; pad.
What does cot mean for kids? ›: a small usually collapsible bed often of fabric stretched on a frame.
What do babies sleep under in cot? ›Keep your baby's face and head uncovered
To prevent bedding from covering your baby's head, put your baby with their feet down at the bottom of the cot. Use only lightweight bedding and tuck it in securely at chest level. You could use a safe infant sleeping bag instead of blankets.
How long can a baby sleep in a camp cot? ›
Similar to a cot, they are able to last until your baby is around 2 years old. Certain safety standards and guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have been put in place for most international camp cots (also known as a "pack 'n play”).
What do babies sleep on in cot? ›a firm mattress that fits the cot snugly without leaving spaces round the edges so your baby cannot trap their head and suffocate. sheets to cover the mattress – you need at least 4 because they need to be changed often; fitted sheets make life easier but can be quite expensive, so you could use pieces of old sheet.