Cheap Cot Beds
The sleigh-style cot looks beautiful and will last for years, with two height settings for the mattress base. It was awarded our 2022 Gold Award. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed, and comes with teething bars.
The sturdy wooden frame is also simple to build and comes with clear instructions. It can also be converted into a chic bench-style bed for older kids.
Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed
This aesthetically designed bed made an impressive impression on our judges who loved its Scandi-inspired style and the soothing mix of white and sustainably sourced natural ash wood. Its compact dimensions, three height settings and the possibility of converting it to a Junior or Toddler bed make it a fantastic option for smaller spaces. It also ranks highly in terms of safety since it is among the two cots featured in this guide with an inbuilt teething bar to prevent your child from gnawing on the sides.
The cot comes with an Ickle Bubba sprung bed made from premium dent-resistant foam for nursery use and an under-cot storage drawer that is mounted on castors. You can put everything essential for your baby in this drawer without them being visible. It's a minimalistic buy that won't break the bank and would work well in any nursery, as it comes in grey, white or a mix of both, making it easy to match with furniture in the nursery.
If you're looking to buy a cheap cot with additional features look no further than this mama-approved choice from Mamas & Papas. It's simple and uncluttered and comes with a white or grey-brown finishes and an easily removed panel that transforms it into a toddler bed. It's easy to put together and has two different mattress bases. The only drawback is that you have to buy the mattress separately, but it's worth a look in case you're looking for all the added extras for a price that doesn't break the bank.
This is a great option for those on a budget who want to kit out their nursery. It comes with the changing table as well as storage drawer. Our reviewer Carolyn liked how it slid effortlessly onto the base of the cot, and that it had plenty of space for a changing mat and a basket for nappies, creams and wipes. However, she did point out that it is difficult to assemble and the instructions may be a bit unclear. It was also heavy for our testers, so be aware of that if you plan to move it yourself.
John Lewis Anyday Elementary Cot Bed
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on quality, this cot bed from John Lewis is a great option. It has three mattress height positions so your baby can use it from birth. It comes with teething rails. There's also a nappy change station and storage drawers included in this cot. It's easy to put together and comes with clear instructions. However, If you're concerned about putting it together yourself, John Lewis offers an assembly service for a cost of PS60 which includes fixing it to the wall (if needed) and the disposal of all packaging.
This cot is stylish and modern. It is also easy to clean. You can adjust the sides to accommodate your baby's development and growth. It's a great value and constructed from FSC pine, so you can rest assured that it will last.
A lot of parents opt for an cot bed that will be converted into an infant bed when they are ready. They will cost more than a standard cot, but they can offer much longer use as your child gets older and can also take on the form of a daybed or sofa which is a great alternative if you require an additional bed for guests.
You can find cots that convert into beds for just PS40. However you'll need to purchase a mattress separately. If you're looking for an affordable cot and will last for years then the Ikea Sniglar Cot Bed is the best choice. It also comes with the standard cot-bed mattress (not included).
The other cheapest bed for a cot in our list is the SnuzKot, which starts off as an incredibly compact cot, but then transforms into an elegant toddler bed, before becoming an incredibly versatile daybed or sofa bed. It's a great option for smaller nursery rooms, and you can add an extension kit that will allow it to last up to 10 years.
La Redoute Willox Adjustable Cot Bed
This gorgeous cot bed from French retailer La Redoute will add warmth and texture to your nursery. mini cot beds might not be the most affordable bed available (you'll need to buy an additional mattress) however it appears higher priced than it actually is and will grow with your child into a toddler bed, and eventually an adult sofa, and finally a full-size bed.
It would work beautifully with a vintage nursery, but also well in a contemporary style. The neutral colors will go well with any space and you can also redecorate the space of your child as they become more mature.
Cot beds are available in a variety of different designs and sizes, so it's essential to think about which is best suited to your space. It is also important to consider the features you'd like to invest in such as a drawer for storage teething rails, adjustable heights to help them last longer.
A cot that converts into a toddler bed, sofa and even a larger bed is the ideal option if you're planning to keep it in use for as long as is possible. This stunning sleigh by British brand Obaby isn't the cheapest, but it is an elegant option that has a stunning design. It is also durable and safe and comes with a range of mattress bases, so you can modify it to the perfect height for your baby as they grow.
All cots and cot beds should be in compliance with certain safety standards, so make sure that the one you select has a sturdy frame, a stable base with no gaps and bars that can't be bent or broken. Certain cots come with additional safety features, like anti-drop bars to stop your baby from falling out of the bed, so be sure to look for these when shopping.
The majority of cots and cot beds will need to be purchased with a mattress that is typically included in the cost or is available for purchase separately. The mattress must be the right size for the cot you choose because the wrong measurements could cause discomfort and sagging. Some cots are made from wood, while others may be made of MDF. If you opt for a wood cot, ensure that the slats are made of plywood or birch not MDF. They are more durable.
Mamas & Papas Little Angel Cot Bed
For a chic cot bed that has plenty of extra features for the nursery look no further than this Mamas and Papas model. It's simple to put together, looks great and has a curvaceous end that's perfect for the baby. It also has hanging rails on either side for blankets or dummies. The cot is adjustable to three heights, and can be converted into a toddler bed. It's built to keep your child safe for the first four years. The sides of the cot are fixed, which makes it more stable than traditional dropside cots. Teething rails are included to shield your child's paintwork from chewing.
Parent Approved Panellist Megan is a fan of this cot bed because of its gorgeous design and additional functionality, specifically the drawer at the base that is ideal for keeping bedding and blankets in. It is simple to open and close and has a soft-close finish to avoid the baby from being disturbed while they sleep. The cot is built with high sides that prevent little climbers and teething rails on both ends. The dummy hanger is especially helpful for those late night feeds and there's plenty of space under to store books and toys.
This Mamas and Papas Metro Cot Bed is a great option for parents who are looking to buy a chic cot that fits in a small nursery. It comes with three adjustable cot base heights to ensure your baby enjoys peaceful sleep as they grow, and also transforms into a toddler bed, saving you money on extra furniture upgrades during growth surges. Its sleek, minimalist design is durable and safe for your baby. It's also completed in a two-tone colour scheme that will match any decor.
The only issue with this cot is that it doesn't include a drop mechanism. This could be an issue if your child becomes a toddler, and you'll need to place them in the cot without disrupting them. You can however purchase a cheap mattress separately to use it with, that will offer the same functionality as any other cot.