How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is a essential item for any baby. This guide will help find the best choice for your baby.
A top-quality option that is perfect for Scandi-style nursery rooms. It's a sturdy and long-lasting choice that can grow with your child, with three mattress height positions as well as 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 variety of options with different lifespans some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used into the age of preschool or beyond. The ones that can be transformed into a bed are more expensive, but they last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its elegant design and simple design. It's a great choice for those who want a top quality cot that will stand up to the test of time. The minimalist design and warm color will look great in the Scandi nursery. This cot bed has a drawer, which mom tester Katrina thought was a better option than some less expensive cots with a built-in drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the cot rails to protect your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. This cot bed isn't inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key for setup.
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 parents liked the simple design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot is small when folded and can be tucked easily, fitting into a carry bag that's about the size of the carry case of a camping chair. It's not ideal for camping in the car, but should be fine for those living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot a lot.
We suggest the SnuzKot as 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 reach around four years old. Our dad tester liked the possibility of converting it into a modern-looking toddler bed, and created the feeling of a cocoon by putting up a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but will also feel solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides and a solid base so that your baby is not able to climb out. Some cot beds include extra features, such as teething rails and under-bed drawers, which can help you keep things organised while your little one is growing.
Parent test subject Becki says that her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and is still beautiful." Its traditional design will fit in with any home and is made from sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about your purchase. It can be converted to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to give you reassurance) and also has the option for an extension kit that takes it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This stylish and simple cot is a good choice when you're on a tight budget. It's simple to put together, with clearly labelled parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress options which allows you to adjust the height of your baby as he grows. It will fit most standard mattress cots and is a good purchase for the price.
This is a great choice If you're looking for an extremely high-end cot. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It will keep your baby safe until they are about three years old. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it a great option for moving it from room to.
This cot comes with handy travel bag and is among the smallest cots we've test at 6kg. It's also extremely durable and has a sturdy frame that can withstand noisy toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a bit difficult. The slats were placed far enough apart to avoid fingers getting trapped between them. It is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, but the durability and function make it a worthwhile investment.
Design
When purchasing a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specifications and safety features, but don't overlook the style. It is essential to choose a cot bed that is both practical and attractive.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the ideal bed for those who appreciate design with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these beds often have. It's packed with storage space-saving features such as a drawer that fits underneath the cot and teething rails on the sides. Our mom test subject found it to be robust and durable and has a three-position base height that allows the bed to grow with your child.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes in an elegant panel design that will fit in with any nursery. It's designed to last until they reach the age of six old. It transforms into a junior mattress, and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It is also one of only a handful of cots that we have tested with a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.
Another option with a smart panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of color options to fit your nursery decor. Our mom testers were impressed by its clever features, with the drawer for storage being particularly useful for storing bedding and clothes. It's also the easiest cot beds to assemble. All the pieces are clearly labelled, and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great choice for those with a small space, since it can be collapsed and then flat-packed. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for children from birth through toddlerhood. An extension kit allows it to be used until 10 years of age.
Convertibility
When you're a new parent, there are plenty of baby must-haves to consider. But one of the most important is a quality cot bed - you want something that lasts for as long as it can and grow with your child, giving them a safe and secure place to sleep.
While most cots can be transformed into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit, certain cots are designed to go a step further than this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It can be converted to a toddler (L207cm, W147cm, H90cm), the daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and a sofa (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, as it will last your child through childhood to.
It's expensive in comparison to other cot beds that we tested, but it has an elegant look and feel that will be a perfect fit for any nursery. The instructions could be more clear, but our parent testers were awed by the ease with which it was for to construct and install. This isn't a big issue but it was a breeze and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
The cot comes with four different mattress base heights. This is an upgrade from the three standard options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child grows since they may require a lower or higher base level depending on their age and ability. It includes teething rails that can be useful and a plastic strip on the top to keep it from becoming a bit.
The grey finish was the preferred of our dad tester. It's not inexpensive, but it does offer an excellent value for money, as it will take your child through the age of toddler and beyond. Plus, it's covered by one-year warranties which gives you peace of mind that it will be sturdy and durable. cots and tots 'll need to buy separately is a mattress, which is not included.