How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby must-haves to consider, the best cot bed is one of the most important buys. So we've put together this guide to help you choose the ideal bed for your baby.
A top-quality option that will look great in Scandi-style nurseries. This sturdy and durable option can grow with your baby, with three mattress positions and the ability to remove the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's a cot to fit every budget and every nursery. There are a myriad of options that offer different amounts of longevity and some convert into toddler beds that can be used through the age of preschool and beyond. The ones that can be converted into beds are more expensive, however they last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its stunning aesthetics and simple to assemble design make it an ideal choice for parents looking for an upscale cot that can last a lifetime. Our testers for parents loved the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. The cot bed has an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina thought was a better choice than some cheaper cots which have a drawer built in. It also comes with an anti-bite strip that runs along the top rails of the cot, to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. However, at PS599 with a mattress sold separately this bed isn't cheap, and it requires an Allen key to make it functional.
A more affordable alternative that will still provide your baby a comfy night's sleep is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parent testers loved the simple design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be tucked and easily tucked away into a carry bag that's the size of the carry case for a camp chair. It's not the best choice for camping in the car, but should be fine for those living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot around too often.
We recommend the SnuzKot as another budget-friendly cot, especially if it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will grow with your baby until they reach four years old. Our dad tester liked that it could be converted into a minimalist-looking toddler bed, and also create a cocoon like feeling with its canopy made of fabric.
Safety
A cot that is well-designed will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but also feel solid and secure. Look for a robust design with sides or safety bars and a solid base to ensure that your child is unable to easily climb out. Some cot beds will also have additional features such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib, which can help you organize your home while your baby is growing.
Parent tester Becki says her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and is still stunning." Its traditional style will fit in with any home and it's made from sustainably sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for security. There's also an extension kit that will take it up to a larger bed when your child's ready.
This elegant and simple cot is a great option for those on a limited budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress height settings, so you can alter the height as your baby grows. It will fit on any standard cot mattresses and is an excellent buy for the price.
This is a great choice If you're looking for an expensive cot. It comes with four mattress base positions when in cot mode and will last until your baby is three years old. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it easy for moving it from one room to another.
This cot comes with convenient travel bag and is one of the smallest cots that we tested, weighing just 6kg. It's also extremely durable with strong frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a bit difficult. They noted that the slats were spaced far enough apart to prevent fingers getting caught in between them. It's also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed but the durability and function make it a worthwhile investment.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when purchasing a cot-bed. It's important that you choose a cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.
The icklebubba Snowdon Classic Cot bed is the best bed for design-lovers. Its sleek, modern version of the classic sleigh design isn't as bulky that these types can have. It also offers space-saving storage and has a pull-out drawer that fits under the cot, plus teething rails that can be affixed to the side of the. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base allows it to grow with your child.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes with an elegant panel design that will fit in with any nursery. It is designed to last until they reach the age of six older. It transforms into a junior mattress and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It's also among the only a few cot beds that we've tested with a drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has a panelled design. It comes in a range of colors to complement your nursery's decor. Our mum testers loved its clever features including the storage drawer particularly useful to store bedding and clothes. It's also the easiest cot beds to assemble. The components are clearly labeled, and the directions are easy to follow. It is also an excellent choice for those who have limited space because it can be folded flat and then collapsed. It fits the standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit that allows it to be used up until your child is 10 years old. old.
Convertability
When you're a new parent there are a lot of essential items for babies to consider. One of the most important is a good quality cot bed. You want something that will last as long as possible and will grow with your child to give them a safe and secure place to sleep.
Although most cots can be made into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit certain cots are designed to go beyond this. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which transforms into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, as it is designed to last through the years from birth until childhood.
It's expensive when compared to other cot beds that we tested, but it has an attractive look and feel that will be a perfect fit for any nursery. The instructions could be more simple, but our parents test subjects were impressed with how easy it was to construct and install. This is a minor flaw but it was still a simple task and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another unique aspect of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress base heights that are an improvement on the three most common options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child grows since they may require a higher or lower base level depending on their age and level. It also comes with teething rails and a strip on the top to shield it from biting.
The grey finish was the most popular of our dad's testers. It's not expensive but it's great value for money as it will take your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. best cots comes with an assurance of one year so you can be sure it will last. The only thing you'll have to buy separately is a mattress which is not included.