How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby essentials to consider, the best cot bed is one of the most important buys. So we've put together this guide to help you locate the ideal bed for your little one.
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. It has three mattress height positions as well as the ability to remove the sides for a sleek bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's something for every budget and every nursery. There are also different options that have different lifespans and some of them can be transformed into toddler beds that can be used into the preschool years or even beyond. The ones that can be converted into a bed are more expensive, however they last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner thanks to its luxurious aesthetic and easy-to-assemble design. It's a great option for parents who want a top quality crib that can stand the test of time. The sleek design and warm color will look fantastic in a Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina believed was more suitable than less expensive cots that have an integrated drawer. It also has an anti-bite strip that runs along the top rails of the cot, to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. This cot bed is not expensive, and requires an Allen key for setting up.
A more budget-friendly alternative that will still provide your baby a good night's sleep is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. similar web page liked the simple design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot can be folded up and stored easily, since it can fit into a bag the size of the one used to store a camping chair. It's not ideal for camping in the car, but should be fine for people living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot around too often.
The SnuzKot is a good affordable cot that we suggest, especially if you choose to go with the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your baby until they reach four years old. Our dad tester liked the possibility of converting it into a minimalist-looking toddler bed, and created an atmosphere of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A good cot is not just required to meet the strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Look for a robust design with safety bars or sides and a solid base that your child can't easily climb out. Some cots have additional features such as teething rails, or drawers under the bed which can help you stay organized while your baby develops.
The Boori cot is made of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in the purchase. It converts from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up for peace of mind) and also has the option of an extension kit to take it all the way up to a double bed when your child is ready.
This simple, stylish cot is a great option when you're on a tight budget. It's simple to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to alter the height as your child grows. It can be used with standard crib mattresses and is a good buy for the price.
This is a great choice if you are looking for an extremely high-end cot. It has an impressive four mattress base positions when in cot mode, and will last until your baby is about three years old. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it portable to move it from one room to the next.
The cot comes with a handy travel bag and is one of the smallest cots we've tested at 6kg. It's also extremely sturdy and has a sturdy frame that can handle noisy toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a little challenging. The slats were set apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. It's also a bit more expensive than some of the other cots we reviewed, but it is worth the cost for its durability and functionality.
Design
When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to be engrossed in the specifications and safety features, but don't neglect the design. It's crucial to select a cot bed that is both functional and beautiful.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the perfect bed for those who appreciate design, with its sleek modern version of the traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these types of beds usually come with. It also doesn't skimp on storage space and features an extra drawer that slides under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be connected to the side of the. 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 with a panelled design that can fit in with any nursery. It's designed to last until your child is six years old, and then it transforms first into a junior bed and then into a stylish sofa bed. It is also one of only a handful of cots that we've tested with an apex drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.
Another option that has a stylish panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of colors to match your nursery decor. Our mum testers loved its clever features and the storage drawer particularly useful to store bedding and clothes. It's also the most simple cot beds to put together. All the pieces are clearly labeled and the instructions are simple to follow. It's also a great alternative for those with limited space because it can be rolled up and rolled down. It can be used with the standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from the time of birth until toddlerhood, with an extension kit that allows it to be used until your child is 10 years old.
Convertibility
When you're a new parent there are a lot of essential items for babies to consider. One of the most important items to think about is a top-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and grow with your child, ensuring they can have a safe place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than a bed for children. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which transforms 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 choice that will last from birth until the age of.
It's a little more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tried however, its high-end appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. Our parent testers were really amazed by how easy it was to set up and build 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 30 minutes to complete.
Another great characteristic of this cot is that it has four mattress heights for the base that are an improvement on the three most popular options. This gives you the ability to adjust it as your child grows, as they may need a higher or lower base level, based on their age and ability. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip that runs along the top to protect it from being bitten.
The grey finish was the favorite of our dad test-driver. It's not cheap, but it does offer excellent value for money since it will take your child through to toddlerhood and beyond. Plus, it's covered by a one-year warranty, so you have assurance that it's durable and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to purchase an additional mattress, that's not included.