Cots & Cot beds

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.

Loving the cot:

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.