Cots buying guide for UK parents
Short answer: A cot is a framed baby bed with fixed sides, usually taking a 120 x 60cm mattress. Choose one that fits your space and your baby's stage, and use it as the instructions say.
What is a cot?
A framed baby bed with fixed sides, usually taking a 120 x 60cm mattress. It is used from birth, once you are ready to move on from a Moses basket or bedside crib, until your child is ready for a bed.
How to choose
- Check the internal size and buy a mattress that fits with no gaps.
- Adjustable base heights let you lower the mattress as your baby learns to sit and stand.
- Teething rails protect the top rails from little teeth.
Space and layout
A cot is usually more compact than a cot bed, which helps in smaller nurseries.
Safety standards
- Cots and travel cots: look for BS EN 716-1:2017.
- Mattresses: look for BS 7177:2008+A1:2011, and BS EN 16890:2017+A1:2021 for cot, travel cot and crib mattresses.
Common questions
- Can my baby have a soft toy in the cot?
- What does feet to foot mean?
- Can twins share a cot?
- Can I put a cot next to a radiator?
- My nursery is too small for a cot. What can I do?
- What safety standard should a cot meet?
- What is SIDS?
- When should I lower the cot base?
What the guidance says
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition, with no raised or cushioned edges, that fits the cot or Moses basket with no gaps.
- Keep the cot clear: no pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, loose blankets, soft toys, pods, nests, wedges or anything to keep your baby in place.
- Place the cot away from radiators, direct sunlight and blind cords.
- Cots and travel cots: look for BS EN 716-1:2017.
- Mattresses: look for BS 7177:2008+A1:2011, and BS EN 16890:2017+A1:2021 for cot, travel cot and crib mattresses.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
- Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot in Warm Grey
- Bantam Space Saver Cot - Warm Grey
- Bantam Space Saver Cot - White
- Coleby Space Saver Cot
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Baby product standards quizIs a cot bed right for you? Quick quizCan I buy a second-hand bedside crib?Can a 6 week old sleep in a cot bed?Is a crib right for you? Quick quizCan a 9 month old still sleep in a Moses basket?All safe sleep and sleep spaces advice →
Sources
- The Lullaby Trust: Baby mattresses and bedding (accessed 2026-10-21)
- NHS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (accessed 2026-10-21)
General information only, not medical advice. Always follow your product's instructions. If you are worried about your baby, contact your GP, health visitor or 111. In an emergency, call 999.