How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for every baby. Therefore, we've created this guide to help you choose the perfect choice for your baby.
look these up fits perfectly in Scandi style nurseries. It's a sturdy and durable option that grows with your child, offering three mattress height options and the option of removing the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots there's a cot to fit every budget and every nursery. There are a variety of options that have different lifespans, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used into the preschool years or beyond. Naturally, those that convert into a bed are generally more expensive, but the investment can really pay off if you want an item that lasts for many years, not just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its stunning design and easy to assemble makes it a fantastic choice for those who want an upscale cot that can last a lifetime. This model's minimalist design and warm-toned finish will look great in a Scandi nursery. This cot bed has a drawer, which mom tester Katrina felt was an improvement over cheaper cots that have an integrated drawer, as well as a plastic strip that prevents bites along the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth stuck between the bars. However, at PS599 with a mattress sold separately the bed isn't cheap, and it requires an Allen key to make it functional.
A less expensive option that still gives your baby a comfy night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. The easy design and simple assembly were highly praised by our testers' parents. The cot is compact when folded and can be stored and easily tucked away into a bag that's the size of the carry case for a camp chair. It's not ideal for car camping however it's suitable for those living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot a lot.
We recommend the SnuzKot for another budget-friendly cot, especially when it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will grow with your baby until they reach around four years old. Our father tester liked that it could be transformed into a modern-looking toddler bed and create the feeling of a cocoon with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A good cot will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards but also feel sturdy and secure. Look for a robust design that includes safety bars or sides and a solid base, so your baby can't easily get out. Some cot beds will also include extra features such as teething rails and under-bed drawers that can help you keep things organised as your baby is growing.
The Boori cot is constructed of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in your purchase. It can be converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to give you reassurance) and has an option of an extension kit that takes it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This elegant and simple cot is a great choice for those on a limited budget. It's simple to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It has three height settings for the mattress so that you can adjust it as your baby grows. It will fit most standard crib mattresses and is a good buy for the price.
This is an excellent choice when you're in search of an expensive cot. It can be used as a cot and has four mattress positions. It will last until your child are around three years old. It also folds flat and has lockable wheels, making it extremely portable if you need to move it from room to room.
This cot is very light at just 6kg, and comes with a great bag to carry it around in. It's also very sturdy and has a sturdy frame that can handle boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a little difficult. They noted that the slats were spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers from getting caught between them. It is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, however the durability and function make it worth the investment.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when purchasing a cot-bed. The crib of your baby will be in use for a long time therefore it's crucial to choose one that you love as well as is practical and useful.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the perfect bed for those who appreciate design, with its sleek modern take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these types of beds usually have. It also has plenty of storage space and features an open drawer that can be placed under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be connected to the side of the. Our mother test subject found it to be sturdy and robust and has three positions of base height that allows the bed to expand with your child.
Alternatively, 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 is designed to last your child until they are six years older. It converts into a junior mattress and then into an elegant sofa bed. It's also among the only cot beds we tested that has a draw with a hanging rail as well as teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it a good option for parents who want their cot bed to stand the test of time.
Another option with a sleek panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several colour options to coordinate with your nursery decor. Our mom testers were impressed by its unique features and the storage drawer being especially useful to store bedding and clothes. It's also the most simple cot beds to assemble. The components are clearly labelled, and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great option for those with a small space, since it can be folded and then flat-packed. It's a standard cot mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies through toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used up to 10 years of age.
Convertibility
There are many baby essentials that you should consider as the new parent. One of the most important items to consider is a high-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and evolve with your child so they can have a safe bed to sleep in.
Some cots are designed to be more than a bed for toddlers. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which converts into an infant 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 some of the other cot beds we tested however, its high-end design and feel will look great in any nursery. Our parent testers were really impressed by how simple it was to put together and construct but they did say that the instructions could be clearer. This is a minor fault however, as it was still a breeze and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
The cot comes with four different mattress base heights. This is an upgrade from the three most popular options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child grows, because they might require a lower or higher base level depending on their age and ability. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip that runs along the top to shield it from biting.
The grey finish was the most popular of our dad's testers. It is not cheap but it's a great value since it will last until they reach the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with an one-year guarantee and gives you confidence that it's sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to purchase an additional mattress, which is not included.