Cheap Cot Beds: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Cheap Cot Beds
This sleigh-style cot bed is beautiful and will last for many years. It has two height settings on the mattress base. It was 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 assemble, with clear instructions. It can also be converted into a chic bed, which can be made into a bench for children who are older.
Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cotbed
Our judges were awestruck with this incredibly designed cot-bed. They were impressed by the Scandi-inspired design and the soothing combination of white with sustainably sourced natural ash-wood. Its compact proportions with three height positions as well as the possibility of converting it into a Junior or toddler bed make it an ideal option for smaller spaces. It also scores well in terms of safety, because it is among the two cots in this list equipped with a built-in teething bar to stop your child from chewing on the sides.
The cot is equipped with an Ickle Bubba sprung bed made of high-quality, dent-resistant nursery foam, as well as a matching under-cot storage drawer on castors. It is possible to store everything you need for your baby in the drawer without being out in plain sight. It's a minimal purchase that won't break your budget. It will also work well in any nursery as it comes in gray, white or a mix of both.
Mamas & Papas has a great choice of cots that are reasonably priced and come with a lot of extras. 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 simple to put together and has two mattress base positions. The only drawback is that you need to buy the mattress separately, however, it's worth looking into for those who want all the extras you can get at a cost that won't cost you a fortune.
This is a great option when you're planning to outfit your nursery on a budget, as it includes an adjustable table for changing and an easy-to-use storage drawer. Our reviewer Carolyn loved the way it slides easily onto the base of the cot and that it offered plenty of room to fit a changing mat and an assortment of nappies, wipes, and creams. She also noted that it's difficult to put together and that the instructions may be a bit unclear. Our testers also noted that it was heavy and heavy, so bear that in mind in case you're planning on moving it yourself.
John Lewis Anyday Elementary Cot Bed
For a budget option that doesn't skimp on functionality, this cot bed from John Lewis is a great option. It includes teething bars as well as three mattress heights to ensure that your baby can use it from birth. The cot also has an area for changing nappy and a storage drawer. The instructions are easy to follow. If you aren't confident assembling it yourself, John Lewis provides an assembly service for PS60. This includes mounting it to the wall (if required) and removing all packaging.
The cot is fashionable and modern. It is also easy to clean. The sides can be moved to different positions so that you can fit it around your baby as they grow and develop. It's a good value and made from FSC pine so you can be sure that it's built to last.
top rated cots opt for a cot-bed that can be transformed into a toddler bed when they are ready. They will cost more than a standard cot but they can offer much longer-lasting use as your child grows older and may also take the form of a sofa or daybed which is a great alternative if you require an additional bed for guests.
Cots that can be converted into beds can start from as little as PS40 but you'll need to purchase a separate mattress. If you're looking for a cot that is affordable and lasts for a long time and years, the Ikea Sniglar Cot Bed is the best choice. It also accommodates an ordinary cot bed mattress (not included).
The SnuzKot is yet another excellent inexpensive crib that we've included in our roundup. It is initially an incredibly compact bed, but transforms into a chic toddler bed, and then a sofa bed or daybed. It's a great choice for smaller nurseries and can be upgraded with an extension kit that will allow it to last for 10 years.
La Redoute Willox Adjustable Cot Bed
This beautiful cot bed by French retailer La Redoute will add warmth and texture to your nursery. It's not the most expensive bed (you will need to purchase an additional mattress), but it looks much more expensive than it is. And it will grow along with your child to become an infant bed, then a junior couch before becoming a full-size bedroom.
It's a stunning choice for a vintage-inspired nursery and also works well with more modern styles. The neutral colours are suitable for all rooms and there's plenty of room to make changes as your child gets older.
Cot beds are available in a variety of designs and sizes, so it's essential to think about which is best suited to your space. Think about the features you'd like to have Some cot beds are equipped with teething rails as well as a drawer for storage and adjustable heights.
A cot that can be converted into an infant bed, a sofa and even a larger bed is a great option if you're planning to keep it in use for as long as is possible. This gorgeous sleigh from British brand Obaby isn't the most affordable but it's an attractive option with a stunning appearance. It's also safe and sturdy, and comes with a variety of mattress bases, so you can modify it to the perfect height for your baby as they grow.
All cots should be safe standards. Be sure the cot you select has a solid foundation, an unmovable foundation that has no gaps, and bars that can't be bent or broken. Certain cots come with additional safety features, for instance anti-drop bars to stop your child from falling out of bed, so look for these when shopping.
Most cots and cots require purchase with a suitable mattress, which is usually included in the price or available to purchase separately. The mattress must be of the correct size for the cot you choose, as the wrong dimensions could result in discomfort and sagging. You'll also find that some cots are made from wood and others are made out of MDF or a different man-made material. If you opt for a wood cot, ensure that the slats are made of birch or plywood, not MDF. These are more durable.
Mamas & Papas Little Angel Cot Bed
This Mamas and Papas cot bed is a stylish selection with a variety of features. It's simple to put together, looks great and features a curved edge that is perfect for the baby. There are also practical hanging rails either side for dummies or blankets. The cot is adjustable to three heights and can be transformed into a toddler bed. It's durable enough to keep your child safe for the first four years. The sides are fixed, which makes it more stable than a conventional dropside cot, while teething rails are added to protect the paintwork and prevent your child from chewing them.
Parent Approved Panellist Megan is a huge fan of this cot 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 simple to open and close and has a soft close finish to prevent disturbing your baby while they sleep. The cot also features high sides to prevent little climbers and teething rails at both ends. The dummy hanger is especially helpful for those late night feeds and there's plenty space underneath to keep books and toys.
This Mamas and Papas Metro Cot Bed is a fantastic choice for parents who are looking to buy a chic cot which fits into a small nursery. It comes with three adjustable cot bases so that your baby can be comfortable as they develop. It also converts into a toddler's bed, saving the cost of furniture upgrades when the growth spurts begin. Its sleek, minimalist design is durable and safe for your baby. It's also completed in a two-tone colour scheme that can be matched with any design.
The only drawback to this cot is that it doesn't have an option to drop. This could pose an issue if your child turns into a toddler, and you need to get them in the cot without disrupting them. However, you can purchase an inexpensive mattress to use it with, that can provide the same function as other cot.