Selecting the right sleeping environment is a major decision for new parents. While experts like The Lullaby Trust advise room-sharing for the first six months, the time soon comes to invest in a dedicated cot or cot bed. For many families, a cot bed presents a smarter, longer-term solution than a standard cot, which a child typically outgrows by age two.
Why Choose a Cot Bed?
A cot bed is designed to evolve with your child. It starts as a secure cot and later converts into a toddler bed, usually providing service until around age four. Some models can even be extended with separate kits to last until a child is eight or ten years old, offering exceptional value. Beyond longevity, many feature useful additions like under-bed storage drawers, hanging rails, and protective teething rails. Some brands also offer matching changing stations to maximise nursery space.
The choice ultimately depends on budget, desired features, and available room size. With a saturated market, finding the perfect fit can be daunting. To help, our team rigorously tested a wide range of cot beds, assessing quality, durability, functionality, ease of assembly, and conversion. While we can't promise uninterrupted sleep, our selections promise a safe and cosy haven for your little one.
Our Top Cot Bed Picks for 2026
After extensive evaluation, here are the seven best cot beds to consider for your nursery.
1. Mamas & Papas Coxley Cotbed: Best Overall
Priced at £579, this hand-crafted oak cot bed is our top choice. It offers a neutral design, three adjustable mattress heights, and built-in teething and hanging rails. Conversion to a toddler bed is straightforward, and its standard 140cm x 70cm mattress size offers flexibility. Note that the mattress is sold separately.
2. Troll Torsten Cot Bed: Best Budget Buy
This sleek, Scandi-style bed costs just £179. It features three base heights, a wipeable finish, and includes a conversion kit. Assembly instructions could be clearer, but the solid construction offers great value, especially paired with CuddleCo's recommended mattress (£89).
3. Boori Turin Cot Bed: Best for Easy Assembly
At £311, this FSC-certified wooden cot was among the easiest to build, taking about 45 minutes. It converts into a toddler bed or a snug sofa and comes in five colours. The non-standard 132cm x 70cm mattress size may limit third-party mattress options.
4. Silver Cross Westport Oak Convertible Cot Bed: Best for Quality
This £475 investment piece from the renowned British brand boasts a minimalist design and high-quality oak finish. Assembly and conversion are simple. The mattress is sold separately, but Silver Cross's own options are reportedly superior.
5. Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed: Best Value
For £349, this elegant white cot bed includes a hypoallergenic pocket-spring mattress and a handy under-bed storage drawer. It features three mattress heights and converts solidly into a toddler bed, offering excellent all-round value.
6. Snüz Snüzkot Skandi Cot Bed: Best for Smaller Nurseries
Costing £349, this award-winning, compact design is ideal for limited spaces. It transforms from a cot to a toddler bed and, with a separate extension kit (£79.95), to a junior bed for up to 10-year-olds. It requires the brand's own mattress.
7. Stokke Sleepi Bed V3: Best for Longevity
The luxury option at £563, this oval beechwood bed features four mattress levels, lockable wheels, and a unique design. It converts easily but requires a specific Stokke mattress (£199). A more compact Mini V3 version is also available.
Key Buying Considerations
When shopping for a cot bed, keep these factors in mind. Size is crucial; while 140cm x 70cm is standard, always check it fits your room. Consider the length of use and whether extension kits are available for longer service. Evaluate extra features like storage or teething rails.
Most importantly, choose the right mattress. It must be firm, flat, and fit snugly with no gaps. Always buy new for safety. Finally, consider ease of assembly and ensure you safely store all parts needed for future conversion.
The Final Verdict
There is a perfect cot bed for every nursery and budget. Our overall winner, the Mamas & Papas Coxley Cotbed, impressed with its quality, aesthetic, and standard mattress size. For smaller spaces or tighter budgets, the Snüz Snüzkot is a superb alternative. Investing time in this choice ensures years of safe, comfortable sleep for your growing child.
