How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for every baby. We've created this guide to help you choose the right bed for your baby.
A premium option that will look great in nursery spaces that are reminiscent of Scandi. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that grows with your child, with three mattress height options and the option of removing the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of options with different levels of durability, with some converting into toddler beds to be used through the age of preschool and beyond. The ones that can be turned into a bed are more expensive, however they last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its gorgeous aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it an ideal choice for those who want an excellent cot that will last for a long time. This model's minimalist design and warm color will look great in the Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a handy drawer, which mum tester Katrina thought was a better option than some cheaper cots that come with an integrated drawer, as well as an anti-bite strip of plastic across the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth caught in the bars. However, at PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately, this cot isn't cheap and it requires an Allen key to make it functional.
The Elementary cot is a more affordable option that will provide your baby a comfortable night's sleep. It's part of the Anyday collection by John Lewis. The basic design and easy assembly were praised by our parent testers. The cot can be folded down and stored easily as it fits into bags similar to the one used to store the camping chair. It's not ideal for car camping, but should be fine for people living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot too much.
We recommend the SnuzKot for another cot for under $100, particularly when it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It can grow with your child until approximately four years old and our dad tester loved the fact it converted to a minimal-looking toddler bed and created a cocoon-like feeling with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is of good quality is not just required to meet the strict UK safety standards, but also be sturdy and secure. Look for a robust design that includes safety bars or sides, as well as an erect base to ensure that your child is unable to be able to climb out. Some cots come with extra features like teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib that can help you keep things organised as your baby is growing.
The Boori cot is made from sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in your purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to provide security) and also has the option for an extension kit that takes it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great choice for those with a tight budget. It's easy to set up and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It has three mattress height settings so you can alter the height as your baby grows. It will fit most standard mattress cots and is a great purchase for the money.
If you're looking to buy a high-end cot, this is a good choice. It can be used as a cot and features four mattress positions. It can keep your baby safe until they reach the age of three. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it a great option to move it from one room to another.
This cot comes with convenient travel bag and is among the smallest cots that we tested at 6kg. It is also very durable with strong frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly a bit difficult. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to keep fingers from getting stuck between them. It is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed but the quality and durability make it a worthwhile investment.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the spec and safety features, but don't neglect the design. The crib of your baby will be used for a long time, therefore it's crucial to choose one that you love and also is practical and useful.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the ideal bed for those who love design with its sleek contemporary design that is a modern take on the traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these beds often come with. It's packed with storage space-saving features, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot as well as rails for teething on the side. affordable cots was strong and sturdy. The three-position height of the base lets it expand with your baby.
Alternately, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a smart panelled look that would suit any nursery. It's made to last until your child is six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed and later to a chic sofa bed. It's also among the only a few cot beds that we have tested with a drawer and a rail for teething and a hanging rail.
Another option with a smart panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of colors to match your nursery decor. The storage drawer is useful for bedding and clothes. Our mum testers were impressed with its features. It's also among the easiest cot beds to assemble, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and with easy-to-follow instructions. It's also a great option for those who have a limited space, since it can be folded down and then flat-packed. It fits the standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit that permits it to be used until your child is 10 years of age.
Convertibility
There are many baby essentials you need to think about as a new parent. One of the most important items to consider is a high-quality cot bed. You want it to last as long as you can and evolve with your child, so that they have a safe place to sleep.
While the majority of cots can be made 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) as well as it can also be used as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, H70cm). homepage makes it our top choice for durability, as it will last from birth to childhood.
It's not cheap compared to some of the other cot beds that we evaluated, but it offers an attractive appearance and feel that would be a perfect fit for any nursery. Our parents who tested it were amazed by how easy it was to build and set up but they did say that the instructions could be more clear. This is not a major issue however, as it was incredibly simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
Another impressive aspect of this cot is that it has four mattress base heights, which is an upgrade on the three most popular options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child grows. They may need a higher or lower base level, based on their age and ability. It also comes with useful teething rails as well as a plastic strip that runs along the top to shield it from biting.
This cot comes in several different Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was especially attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not inexpensive, but it does offer an excellent value for money, as it will last your child through toddlerhood and beyond. Plus, it's covered by a one-year warranty and gives you assurance that it's sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing that you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.