How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby essentials to consider, the best cot bed is among the most important purchases. This guide has been created to help you choose the right bed for your baby.
This top-quality option is perfect in Scandi style nurseries. It's a durable and sturdy choice that can grow with your child, offering three mattress height options and the option of removing the sides for a sleek bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are also a range of options with various levels of longevity and some convert into toddler beds to be used through the preschool years and beyond. The ones that can be turned into beds are more expensive, however they'll last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious aesthetics and easy-to assemble design makes it a fantastic choice for those looking for an upscale cot that can last for a lifetime. Our parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which looks stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. The cot bed also has a handy drawer, which mum tester Katrina thought was a better option than some less expensive cots with a built-in drawer, and an anti-bite strip of plastic along the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. This cot bed is not cheap, and requires an Allen key to set up.
A more affordable alternative that will still provide your baby a good night's sleep is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The simple design and easy assembly were praised by our testers' parents. The cot is foldable down and stored easily since it can fit into a bag the size of the one used for the camping chair. It's a bit light, meaning it may not be ideal for car camping however it's suitable for apartment living or for those who don't want to move their cot around for too long.
The SnuzKot is a good affordable cot that we suggest particularly if you decide to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they're approximately four years old and our dad testers loved the fact that it can be converted into a minimalist toddler bed, and also created an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only meet UK safety standards, but will also feel sturdy and secure. Find a sturdy style with bars of safety or sides, and a solid foundation so that your baby cannot easily climb out. Some cots include extra features, such as teething rails or under-bed storage drawers that will aid in keeping your baby organized as your baby develops.
Parent tester Becki says her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and is still stunning." Its traditional design will fit in with any home and is made of sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open for reassurance) and comes with an option to add 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 great choice if you're on a budget. It's easy to assemble and comes with clearly labeled parts and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings that allow you to alter the height of your baby as he grows. It is compatible with most standard crib mattresses and is a great purchase for the price.
If you're looking for a premium cot, this one is a good choice. It offers four mattress positions in cot mode and will last until your child is about three years old. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it easy for moving it from room to.
This cot is light at just 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 be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. Our testers found it to be a little challenging to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting trapped between them. It's also a bit more expensive than some of the other cots we reviewed, but it is worth the price for its durability and utility.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when you are buying a cot bed. It's crucial to select the cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.
The icklebubba Snowdon Classic Cot bed is the best cot for design lovers. Its sleek, modern take on the classic sleigh design isn't as bulky that these cots are known for. It's packed with storage space and storage options, including the drawer that is built into the cot, as well as teething rails on the side. It was sturdy and robust. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your child.
The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes in a panelled design that can be suitable for 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 one of only a handful of cot beds that we've tested with a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option with an elegant panel design. It comes in a range of colors to match your nursery decor. The storage drawer was particularly useful for clothing and bedding. Our mom testers were impressed by its features. It's also one of the easiest cot beds for parents to assemble, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and easy to follow instructions. It's also a great choice for those who have limited space as it can be rolled up and collapsed. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for children from birth to toddlerhood. A kit for extension allows it to be used up to 10 years old.
Convertibility
There are a variety of baby necessities you need to think about as a new parent. One of the most important things to think about is a top-quality crib bed. You want it to last as long as you can and evolve with your child, ensuring that they have a secure place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than a toddler bed. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which transforms into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability that will last from birth through childhood.
It's expensive in comparison to other cot beds we tested, but it has a premium look and feel that will suit any nursery. Our parents who tested it were impressed with how easy it was to build and set up but they did say that the instructions could be more clear. This is a minor fault however, as it was incredibly simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
Another unique characteristic of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress heights for the base that are an improvement on the three most common options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child develops. They may need an upper or lower base level depending on their age and abilities. It includes teething rails that are useful and a plastic strip on the top to stop it from becoming a bit.
small cot beds comes in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors and our dad tester was particularly attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not cheap but it offers the best value for money since it will last your child into the toddler years and beyond. Additionally, it comes with a one-year warranty which gives you peace of mind that it will be sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.