Cots & Cot beds Larger bedtime options for sleeping babes What are cots and cot beds? We all know and love a traditional cot, and fast growing in popularity is a new nursery rival - the cot bed! Cotbeds are big cots that turn into toddler beds. You just whip off the removable sides and end panel, and you’ve got a cosy, little bed for a toddler that’s low to the ground. Which one is right for you? Loving the cot bed: Cot beds cost more, but they last longer. Most are plenty big enough until your toddler is around five, and can then be used as a cute little sofa that lasts their entire childhood. Cots are smaller than cot beds, so they fit more easily into your bedroom or a small nursery. Also remember, you’ll have to buy a single bed for your fast-growing toddler at some point, so you could move your baby straight from a cot to a single. Some parents feel a big cot bed leaves their newborn looking a bit lost! You’ll need to invest in a special mattress and bedding because they’re bigger than a cot, but smaller than a single bed.
But at the end of the day, they’re both great products, so whichever you go for, think about these features: range of heights for mattress – two or three levels is ideal protective teething rails – for babies who love to chew! drop rails – to ease the strain on your back storage – every little bit helps! lockable wheels – can come in handy! How much do cots and cot beds cost? Cots start at around £50, and cot beds start around £70. Top tips for buying cots and cot beds When you’ve chosen a cot or cot bed, you also need to buy a mattress. Ideally, you should buy a new mattress for each new baby, but whether it’s second hand or new, make sure the mattress you choose is clean, dry, flat, firm and well-fitting. Avoid duvets, quilts, pillows, electric blankets or hot water bottles with tiny babies. And never put your baby to sleep on a cushion, bean bag, pillow or waterbed. Take a look at some of the popular cots and cot beds below.
RRP: £599 - Buy now Beautifully designed sleigh-style cot bed in solid wood Converts to a toddler bed and then a sofa for older children Two base heights for easy parental access to baby Wipe clean solid wood finish Includes a toddler guard panel to use with toddler bed Tested to meet Greenguard Gold accreditation for optimum indoor air quality Age: from birth to around 5 years Dimensions: H98cm x W80cm x L157cm A cot that truly grows with baby to become a toddler bed and then a sofa Contemporary design with solid construction Straight-froward flat pack home assembly Available in white and dark wood finish to complement any style of nursery RRP: £400 - Buy now A traditionally styled wooden cot bed from a heritage brand Easily converts from cot to toddler bed for older children Three base positions allow the cot to grow with baby The base has a useful full-length pull out drawer with pewter-effect handles
Takes a 1400x700 mattress Age: from birth to around 4 years Dimensions: H95cm x W78cm x L148cm It's has traditional styling and is a very generous size The under-cot drawer is fab for spare linen for middle-of-night bed changes It's sturdy and strong and exudes quality Comes from a tried-and-trusted British brand There are other matching pieces of nursery furniture in the Nostalgia range RRP: £189.99 - Buy now Wooden cot with traditional styling and cute bear motif Available in stained wood or white finish Easily converts to toddler bed by removing end panels Three base heights make it easy to get baby in and out Uses a 140 x 69cm mattress Dimensions: H103 x W79 x D148cm Babies and toddlers will love the cute bear design! There are other matching bear-themed furniture items in the range Comes in two colour options so will work with other furniture and colour schemes Easy to assemble and very sturdy once made up
RRP: £118.99 - Buy now A robust travel cot which can also be used as a playpen Has toy bar which includes night light and music centre Vibrating bassinet mattress to help soothe baby to sleep Raised bassinet for use with newborns, and babies up to 7kg Folds down in 60 seconds Has 7 feet, two with lockable wheels for stability Comes with carry bag Age: from birth to around 3 years Dimensions: H91cm x W73cm x D104cm It's an complete entrainment system for babies with the soft toy bar and vibrating mattress! It is ultra quick to fold down and packs neatly in its own travel bag which has holes for the wheels so it can be pulled Can be used at home for daytime naps or as a playpen (or to chuck all the toys in for quick tidy-ups!) Comes in three gender neutral colour-ways RRP: £239 - Buy now An elegant compact cot which can evolve into a junior bed or sofa Fixed side cot bed in stylish sleigh design Has useful storage drawer underneath