Cheap Cot Beds
The sleigh-style cot looks beautiful and will last for many years, with two height settings for the mattress base. It is the winner of our 2022 Gold Award. It can be turned into a bed for toddlers and includes teething bars.
The sturdy wooden frame is easy to put together and has clear instructions. It also converts into a stylish bench-style bed for older children.
Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed
This aesthetically designed cot bed made an enormous impression with our judges, who were enthralled by its Scandi-inspired design and soothing combination of white and sustainably sourced natural Ash wood. Its compact proportions, three height positions and the possibility of turning it into an infant or junior bed make it a fantastic choice for smaller spaces. It also scores highly for security, as it's one of the only cots in our guide with an integrated teething rail to protect your baby from chewing on the sides.
The cot is equipped with an Ickle Bubba sprung bed made from premium dent-resistant foam for nursery use and a matching under-cot storage drawer on castors. You can put everything essential for your baby in this drawer without being in view. This is a simple purchase that won't break your budget. It would also work well in any nursery since it is available in gray, white, or a combination of both.
Mamas & Papas has a excellent selection of cots that are affordable and come with plenty of extras. It's simple and uncluttered, with a grey-brown or white finish and an adjustable panel that can transform it into an infant bed. It is easy to assemble and comes with two different mattress bases. The only drawback is that you'll have to purchase the mattress separately. However, it's worth a look if all the additional features are included at an affordable cost.
This is a great option for those who are planning to furnish their nursery on a shoestring and includes an adjustable table for changing and an extremely useful drawer for storage. Carolyn, our reviewer, found it easy to slide onto the base of the crib and had enough room for a changing table and an extra basket filled with nappies and wipes, as well as creams. best crib did mention that it's a challenge to put together and that the instructions may be a bit unclear. It also was heavy for our testers Be aware of that if you plan to move it yourself.
John Lewis Anyday Elementary Cot Bed
This crib bed is a great option for families looking for a low-cost option that doesn't compromise on functionality. It includes teething bars as well as 3 mattress heights so that your baby can use it from birth. The cot also has a nappy changing station and a drawer for storage. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. If you aren't at ease assembling it yourself, John Lewis provides an assembly service for an additional PS60. This includes mounting it on a wall (if required) and disposing of all packaging.
The cot is fashionable and modern. It is also very easy to clean. You can adjust the side panels to suit your baby's growth and development. It's a good value and it is made of FSC pine, so you can be sure that it's durable too.
Many parents choose a cot-bed which can be made into a toddler bed once they are ready. These beds are more costly than a standard crib however they will last longer and be used as a sofa or a daybed for your child.
Cots that convert into beds start from as little as PS40 but you'll need to buy a separate mattress. If you're looking for an affordable cot that will last, check out the Ikea Sniglar Cot Bed, which is the most affordable cot on this list according to our MadeForMums 2022 awards. It can also accommodate the standard cot bed mattress (not included).
The SnuzKot is yet another excellent inexpensive crib that we've included in our roundup. It is initially a compact bed, then transforms into a stylish toddler bed, and then an elegant daybed or sofa bed. It's a great option for small nurseries. You could even add an extension kit to take it up to 10 years!
La Redoute Willox Adjustable Cot Bed
With rattan's resurgence in interiors, this beautiful crib bed from French retailer La Redoute is sure to bring warmth and texture to your nursery. It might not be the most expensive crib available (you'll require a mattress separately) but it appears more expensive than it is and will grow with your child until it becomes a toddler bed, and eventually a junior sofa and even a full-size bed.
It's perfect for an old-fashioned nursery, but it also works in a modern style. The neutral shades can be used with all room colors and there's plenty of room to update the decor as your child gets older.
Cot beds are available in a variety of dimensions and styles which is why you must take into consideration which one suits your space the best. You should also consider what features you'd like to get - some come with a drawer for storage, teething rails and adjustable heights to make them last longer.
A cot that transforms into a toddler bed, sofa and even a larger bed is the best option if you're planning to use it for as long as is possible. This gorgeous sleigh from British brand Obaby might not be the cheapest, but it is an attractive option with a stunning appearance. It's also sturdy and safe and offers a wide range of mattress base positions so you can keep it at the proper height as your baby grows.
All cots and cot beds must be in compliance with certain safety standards, so be sure that the one you pick has a solid frame, a stable base that doesn't have gaps, and bars that cannot be bent or broken. Some cots include additional safety features, like anti-drop bars to prevent your baby from falling out of bed, so look for these when shopping.
Most cots and cot beds will need to be purchased with a mattress that is suitable which is typically included in the cost or available to purchase separately. The mattress should be the right size for the cot you choose because the wrong measurements could result in discomfort and sagging. You'll also find that some cots are made of wood, while others are made from MDF or other man-made materials. If you opt for a wood cot, make sure that the slats are made of plywood or birch, not MDF. These are more durable.
Mamas & Papas Little Angel Cot Bed
For a stylish cot bed that has plenty of extra features for the nursery take a look at this Mamas and Papas model. It's easy to put together and looks fantastic. It has a curved end that's ideal for a baby. It also has hanging rails on either side to hang dummies or blankets. The cot comes with three height positions and also converts to a toddler bed, meaning it will see your child through the beginning of his or her life for four years. The sides are fixed, which makes it more stable than a traditional dropside cot, while teething rails are included to protect the paintwork and prevent your child from chewing on them.
Parent Approved Panellist Megan is a fan of this cot bed for its beautiful appearance and its added function, especially the drawer on the base, which is perfect to store blankets and bedding in. It's easy to open and close and has a soft-close finish to avoid the baby from being disturbed while they sleep. The cot also has high sides to stop little climbers and teething rails on both ends. The dummy hook is great for feeding at night and there's plenty of space underneath to store toys and books.
This Mamas and Papas Metro Cot Bed is a fantastic choice for parents looking to buy a chic cot which fits into a small nursery. It comes with three heights that can be adjusted to ensure your baby enjoys peaceful sleep as they grow. It can also be transformed into an adult bed to save you money on extra furniture upgrade during growth surges. Its minimalist, elegant design is durable and safe for your baby. It's also completed in a two-tone colour scheme to complement any design.
The only issue with this cot is that it does not include an option to drop. This could be a problem when your child grows into a toddler and you'll need to place them into the cot with out disturbing them. However, you can buy an inexpensive mattress separately to go with it that can provide the same functions as other cot.