Do You Need a Cot Bed Drawer or Trundle Under the Cot?

By Mokee | Published: 2026-10-15

Category: Guías de compra

A cot bed drawer adds quiet, tucked-away storage; a trundle adds a second sleeping spot. Here is how to choose for a 120 or 140 cot.

Quick answer

Most nurseries need storage long before they need a second bed, so start with a cot bed drawer if your goal is keeping nappies, blankets and tiny clothes within arm's reach. Choose a trundle only if you regularly host a second sleeper and your floor space can take the extra footprint. If you are unsure, buy the drawer first: it is cheaper, easier to tuck away and useful every single day, while a trundle sits empty most of the year.

What a cot bed drawer actually solves

A cot bed drawer is a shallow storage box on discreet caster wheels that slides under the cot frame. It works because it uses the dead space beneath the mattress base, which is otherwise wasted, and it keeps night-time essentials in the room where you need them. The practical limit is height: a drawer only fits if your cot has enough clearance between the base and the floor, and it only stays easy to use if the wheels roll smoothly on your flooring. Deep pile carpet will always be harder to slide than wood or laminate.

What a trundle adds that a drawer cannot

A trundle is a second mattress on a low pull-out frame, usually stored under the cot or a single bed. It solves a different problem: occasional sleepers. It is not a storage upgrade, and it is not a replacement for a proper spare bed if guests stay often. A trundle also needs clear floor space in front of the cot to pull out, plus room for the mattress to sit flat. In a tight nursery, that pull-out zone is often the real deciding factor, not the price.

How cot size changes the decision

Cot size determines which under-cot accessories physically fit, so measure before you buy either option. A 120 x 60 cot is the compact size, and a 120 cot bed drawer is sized to match that footprint. A 140 x 70 cot is longer and wider, so a 140 cot bed drawer is the correct match; a 120 drawer will not line up with a 140 frame. If you already own the cot, measure the internal width between the legs and the clearance from the base to the floor, then compare those numbers with the drawer dimensions before ordering.

Cost, clutter and the honest tradeoffs

Drawers win on cost per use. They are cheaper than trundles, they do not need a mattress of their own, and they earn their place from day one. The tradeoff is capacity: a drawer holds folded clothes, nappies and bedding, not large items or a second person. Trundles win on flexibility but lose on daily value, because they take up floor space and need a mattress that sits unused most of the time. If you are short on space, a drawer plus a well-organised wardrobe usually beats a trundle you rarely pull out.

A simple way to decide

Ask one question: how often will a second person sleep in this room? If the answer is rarely or never, buy the drawer. If it is monthly or more, measure your pull-out space and consider a trundle instead. You can also do both over time, starting with the drawer and adding a trundle later if your needs change, which avoids buying a second sleeping surface before you actually need one.

Cot bed drawer and trundle FAQ

Will a cot bed drawer fit my cot?: Only if the drawer size matches the cot footprint and there is enough clearance under the base. A 120 x 60 cot takes a 120 drawer; a 140 x 70 cot takes a 140 drawer. Measure the gap from the base to the floor and the width between the legs before ordering. Measure twice, then match the drawer to the cot size.
Is a trundle better than a drawer for under cot storage?: No, they solve different problems. A drawer stores everyday essentials in otherwise wasted space. A trundle provides a second sleeping surface for occasional guests. If you mainly need organisation, a drawer is the more useful purchase. Storage first, spare bed second.
Can I use a 120 cot bed drawer with a 140 cot?: No. The 120 drawer is sized for a 120 x 60 cot and will not line up correctly with a 140 x 70 frame. Buy the 140-size drawer for the larger cot so it slides cleanly under the base. Match the drawer number to the cot number.
Do drawers work on carpet?: They can, but caster wheels roll far more easily on hard flooring. On deep carpet, expect more resistance and check that the drawer still clears the base when it is loaded. Hard floors make under cot storage easier to live with.
What should I keep in an under cot drawer?: Keep it to light, frequently used items: nappies, wipes, folded sleepsuits, blankets and a spare sheet. Heavy or bulky items make the drawer harder to slide and can strain the casters over time. Light and often-used beats heavy and occasional.

Products that match these options

Cot Bed Drawer (120 x 60) - Stone Teal: Cot Bed Drawer (120 x 60) in Stone Teal, designed to slide under the cot on discreet caster wheels. A direct fit for a 120 x 60 cot, giving nappies, toys and blankets a dedicated home without adding floor space.
Mini Cot Bed With Natural Mattress - Ocean Teal (120x60): Mini Cot Bed With Natural Mattress in Ocean Teal, 120 cm x 60 cm, including a natural mattress. The compact 120 x 60 size is the cot this drawer is matched to, so you can buy the pair with confidence.
Midi Cot Bed With Premium Aloe Vera Mattress - Stone Blue (140x70): Midi Cot Bed With Premium Aloe Vera Mattress in Stone Blue, 140 cm x 70 cm, paired with a breathable Aloe Vera mattress. If you own the 140 x 70 cot, you need the 140-size drawer rather than the 120 version.