When you have a baby, one of the most important purchases you’ll make will be their sleep space. There are many cots and cribs on the market, and it can be tricky to decide which to go for. Our parents’ reviews and advice can help you narrow down your choices.
A cot is a small bed with bars or panels around it so that your baby can’t fall out. It is smaller than a single bed and requires a mattress that’s specially designed for it. You can also buy a cot that converts into a crib or toddler bed as your child grows up.
Cots come in a range of styles and sizes, so you’ll need to think about which will suit your home and how much storage space you have. Some cots have drawers, which are useful for keeping clothing and bedding organised. Others have shelves for storing toys and books. Many cots also have an open side, which can be convenient for feeding your baby during the night.
A drop-down side rail is a great feature if you plan to use your cot for co-sleeping. This allows you to safely feed your baby without getting out of bed, which makes it easier for you both. You should avoid putting anything in the baby cot with your baby such as duvets or pillows as this can cause them to overheat and can be a choking hazard if they get tangled up.
If you’re on a budget, this cot from the Babymore brand is an affordable option that’s suitable for babies up to six months. It’s sturdy and has a good-sized mattress, although our parents did note that it isn’t as deep as other cot beds we tested.
This cot from the SnuzFino range is another cheap option that’s been rated highly by our parents. It has a smart, modern aesthetic and comes in four colour options. It also folds flat for easy storage and has an adjustable mattress height to grow with your baby.
The final contender in our best cot 2024 review is this model from Chicco. It’s been shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards and is exceptionally versatile. It can be used as a standalone cot, co-sleeper or travel cot, and has several handy features such as a drawer, hanging rails for clothes and muslin cloths and an anti-bite strip along the top of the sides to protect against teething.
Our mum testers liked the fact that this cot had a spacious interior and can be extended to become a toddler bed. It’s also one of the lightest cots we tested, at just 6kg, making it easy to move from room to room. The front of the cot lifts up to allow you to feed your baby in comfort, while the side door gives access for cleaning. The slatted base has six height levels so you can find the perfect position for your baby. You can also attach this cot to your own bed using the included straps.