How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is a must-have for every baby. So we've put together this guide to help you find the ideal bed for your baby.
A high-quality bed that is perfect for Scandi-style nursery rooms. This sturdy and durable option will grow with your child, with three mattress positions, and the ability remove the sides to create a chic bench style toddler bed.
Budget
There is a cot for every nursery and budget. There's also a variety of options with various levels of longevity and some convert into toddler beds that can be used throughout the preschool years and beyond. The ones that can be turned into a bed are more expensive, but they'll last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its stunning aesthetics and simple to assemble design make it an ideal choice for parents looking for an excellent cot that will last for a long time. The minimalist design and warm color will look fantastic in the Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a drawer that mum tester Katrina considered to be a better choice than some less expensive cots that have an integrated drawer. It also has an anti-bite strip along the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting stuck. But at PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately this cot isn't cheap and it does require an Allen key to get it up and running.
A more budget-friendly option that still gives your baby a good night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parents were impressed by the simplicity of the design and easy assembly. The cot can be folded down and stored easily since it can fit into a bag the size of the one used to store a camping chair. It's lighter than the average cot, meaning it may not be suitable for camping in the car however it's suitable for apartment living or for those who don't want to move their cot for too long.
We recommend the SnuzKot for another cot for under $100, particularly when it comes with a toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until they're approximately four years old and our dad tester loved the fact that it was able to transform into a minimalist toddler bed and gave an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
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 sturdy design with safety bars or sides, and a solid base so that your baby cannot easily climb out. Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails or drawers for under-bed storage that will aid in keeping your baby organized as your baby develops.
Parent test participant Becki says her Boori cot "has endured through 3 kids and is still stunning." Its traditional design will fit in with any home and it's made from sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, which means you can feel confident about the purchase. It converts from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to provide peace of mind) and also has the option to add an extension kit that can take it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great option if you're on a budget. It's easy to set up and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It comes with three height settings for the mattress so that you can alter the height as your baby grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattresses and is an excellent buy for the price.
If you're looking for a premium cot, this is a great option. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It'll last until your child are around three years old. It also folds flat and comes with lockable wheels, making it convenient to move it from room to room.
This cot is very light at only 6kg and comes with a handy bag to carry it around in. It is also very robust and has an extremely sturdy frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. Our testers found it a little difficult to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. They noted that the slats are far enough apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, but the durability and function make it a worthwhile investment.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but don't overlook the style. best infant cribs is essential to choose a cot bed that is both practical and attractive.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the perfect cot bed for design lovers with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these types of beds usually have. It's packed with space-saving storage, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot and teething rails on the sides. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base allows it to expand with your baby.
If you prefer you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with a smart panelled look that would suit any nursery. It's made to last until your child reaches six years old, converting first into a junior bed and later to a chic sofa bed. It is also one of only a few cot beds that we have tested with a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with panels. It comes in a range of colors to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was especially useful for clothing and bedding. Our mum testers were impressed by the features. It's also among the most simple cot beds to build, with all pieces clearly labeled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great choice for those who have little space since it can be folded flat and rolled down. It can be used with an ordinary cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit that permits it to be used up until your child is 10 years of age.
Convertibility
There are many baby essentials that you must consider when you become a new parent. But one of the most important is a good quality cot bed - you need something that will last for as long as you can and will grow with your child to give them a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
While most cots can be transformed to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit some cots are made to go a step further than this. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which transforms into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our most durable pick that will last from birth to the age of.
It's a bit more expensive than the other cot-beds we tried however its superior look and feel will fit in any nursery. The instructions could be more clear, but our parent testers were impressed by how easy it was to construct and set up. This isn't a major issue however, as it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another unique feature of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress base heights, which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This lets you adjust the cot as your child grows. They may need a lower or higher base level based on their age and abilities. It also comes with teething rails and a plastic strip that runs along the top to guard it from being bitten.
The grey finish was the most popular of our dad test-driver. It's not cheap, but it offers an excellent value, since it will last your child into the toddler years and beyond. Plus, it's covered by one-year warranties which gives you assurance that it will be sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to purchase separately is a mattress which is not included.