20 Myths About Cheap Cot Beds: Dispelled Cheap Cot Beds

This sleigh style cot bed is beautiful and will last a lifetime. It has two height settings on the mattress base. It is the winner of our 2022 Gold Award. best cot bed can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and includes teething bars.

The sturdy wooden frame is also easy to put together, with clear instructions. It also transforms into a stylish bed for older children.

Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed

Our judges were impressed by this incredibly designed cot-bed. best crib loved the Scandi-inspired design and the beautiful combination of white and sustainably sourced natural ash-wood. Its compact dimensions with three height settings as well as the possibility of converting it to a Junior or Toddler bed make it a great choice for small space. It also scores highly in terms of safety since it is among the two cots featured in this guide equipped with a built-in teething bar that will stop your child from chewing on the sides.

The cot comes with an Ickle Bubba sprung bed made from premium dent-resistant foam for nursery use, as well as a matching under-cot storage drawer on castors. It is possible to store everything essential for your baby in this drawer without them being in view. It's a minimalist buy that won't break the bank and would work well in any nursery, since it comes in grey, white or a combination of both, making it simple to match with existing furniture for your nursery.

If you're looking to buy a cheap cot with additional features look no further than this mama-approved choice from Mamas & Papas. It's simple and clean with a grey-brown finish or a white one. A removable panel can transform it into an infant bed. It's simple to assemble and has two different mattress bases. The only drawback is that you need to purchase the mattress separately, but it's worth a look if you want all the added extras for a price that doesn't break the bank.

This is a great option for those on a budget who want to kit out their nursery. It comes with the changing table as well as an storage drawer. Carolyn, our reviewer, loved that it was simple to put on the base of the crib and had enough room for a changing table and an extra basket filled with nappies and creams as well as wipes. However, she did point out that it's difficult to put together and the instructions may be a bit unclear. It was also a bit heavy for our testers, so be aware of that if you intend to move it yourself.

John Lewis Anyday Elementary Cot Bed

For a low-cost option that doesn't compromise on the functionality, this cot from John Lewis is a great option. It has 3 mattress height positions so that your baby can use it from birth and includes teething rails. You'll also get an nappy change station as well as a storage drawers included in this crib. It's easy to put together and has clear instructions, but should you be worried about putting it together yourself, John Lewis offers an assembly service for an extra PS60 which includes fixing it to the wall (if necessary) and the disposal of all packaging.

The design of this cot makes its appear stylish and modern and is easy to clean too. You can alter the sides to accommodate your baby's growing and development. It's a good value and made of FSC pine, so you can feel confident that it's sturdy too.

Many parents opt for a cot bed that can be converted into a toddler bed when they are ready. They will cost more than a standard cot however they can offer much longer usage as your child gets older and can also take on the form of a daybed or sofa, which is a good option if you want to have an additional bed for guests.

Cots that can be converted into beds can cost just PS40, although you'll need to purchase an additional mattress. If you're looking for a cot that is affordable and will last for years then the Ikea Sniglar Cot Bed is the best choice. It also accommodates an ordinary cot bed mattress (not included).

The other best cheap bed for a cot in our list is the SnuzKot. It starts off as an incredibly compact cot, but then transforms into a minimalist toddler bed, before becoming an incredibly versatile daybed or sofa bed. It's an excellent choice for smaller nurseries and you could even add an extension kit to extend it to 10 years!

La Redoute Willox Adjustable Cot Bed

With rattan's resurgence in interiors, this gorgeous cot bed from French retailer La Redoute is sure to bring warmth and texture to your nursery. It's not the cheapest bed (you must purchase an additional mattress) however, it appears much more expensive than it actually is. It will also grow along with your child to become a toddler bed, and later an adult couch, and then a full-size bedroom.

It's a stunning option for a nursery that is vintage-inspired and it would also work well with more modern designs. The neutral colors can go well with any space and you can also redecorate the space of your child as they grow.


Cot beds come in a variety of designs and sizes, so it's essential to think about which is best suited to your space. Consider the features you'd like to see Some cot beds are equipped with a teething rail 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 full-size bed is the ideal option if you plan to use it for as long as you can. This stunning sleigh by British brand Obaby may not be the cheapest, but it is an elegant option that has a stunning design. It's also sturdy and safe, and comes with a range of mattress bases so that you can adjust it to the ideal height for your child as they develop.

All cots and cot beds should be in compliance with certain safety standards, so make sure the one you choose is built with a solid frame, a stable base with no gaps, and bars that cannot be bent or broken. Some cots have additional safety features, such as anti-drop bars to stop your baby from falling out of the bed, so be sure to look for these when shopping.

Most cots and cot beds require purchase with a mattress, which is typically included in the cost or available to purchase separately. Make sure the mattress is of the right size for your chosen cot because a mattress that is not the correct size could lead to sagging or discomfort. Some cots are made from wood, while some may be made from MDF. If you choose a wooden cot, make sure that the slats are comprised of birch or plywood and not MDF. These are more durable.

Mamas & Papas Little Angel Cot Bed

For a chic cot bed with plenty of added features for the nursery take a look at this Mamas and Papas model. It's easy to put together, looks great and features a curved edge that is ideal for babies. There are also hanging rails on either side to hang 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 traditional dropside cot. Teething rails are built in to protect the paintwork and stop your child from chewing on them.

Megan, a panellist from Parent Approved loves this cot-bed for its beautiful design and added functionality. She especially likes the base drawer which is ideal for storing blankets and bedding. It's simple to open and close, and comes with a soft-close finish to prevent disturbing your baby during sleep. The cot also comes with high sides to deter toddlers from climbing and teething rails at both ends. The dummy hook is great for feeding at night and there's plenty of space underneath to store books and toys.

This Mamas and Papas Metro cot bed is the perfect option for parents who want to purchase a chic cot that will fit into the smaller nursery. It has three cot bases that can be adjusted so that your baby can rest comfortably as they grow. It can also be converted into an infant's bed, which can save you money on furniture upgrades when growth spurts happen. The simple design is stylish and minimalist, yet sturdy enough to ensure your baby is protected, and it's finished with a charming two tone colour scheme that can be matched with any style of decor you have in your home.

The only downside is the absence of a drop mechanism, which can be a problem when your baby becomes an adult and you're trying to get them into the cot without disturbing them up. You can purchase a cheap mattress, which will give you the same functions as other cots.