How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for any baby. So we've put together this guide to help you choose the ideal bed for your baby.
A high-quality bed that will look great in Scandi-style nursery rooms. 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 to suit every budget and every nursery. There's also a variety of options with different levels of durability and some convert into toddler beds to be used into the age of preschool and 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, with its elegant design and simple design. It's a great choice for parents looking for a top quality crib that can stand the test of time. Our parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. This cot bed comes with an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina thought was an excellent alternative to cheaper cots with an integrated drawer. It also comes with an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot, to prevent your child's teeth from getting caught. This cot bed isn't cheap, and requires an Allen key for setting up.
A less expensive alternative that will still provide your baby a comfy night's sleep is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parent testers liked the simple design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot is small when folded and can be tucked easily, fitting into a bag that's the size of the carry case of a 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 a lot.
The SnuzKot is another good affordable cot that we suggest, especially if you choose to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will grow with your baby until they reach four years old. Our father tester liked that it could be converted into a modern-looking toddler bed, and created a cocoon like feeling with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is well-designed will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but will also feel solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design that has safety bars or sides, as well as a solid base, so your baby can't easily get out. Some cots have additional features such as teething rails, or under-bed storage drawers that can aid you in staying organized as your baby grows.
Parent test participant Becki says that her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and is still stunning." Its classic design will suit most homes and it's made from sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about the purchase. It can be transformed from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for safety. There's an extension kit available that can transform it to a full-sized bed when your child is ready.
This stylish and simple cot is a great choice when you're on a tight budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to alter the height as your baby grows. It will fit on any standard cot mattress and is a great purchase for the price.
This is a fantastic option when you're in search of an expensive cot. It comes with four mattress base positions when in the cot position and will last until your child is around three years old. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it portable for moving it from one room to another.
The cot comes with a handy travel bag, and is one of the smallest cots that we tested at 6kg. It is also very robust and has strong frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, but our testers found the assembly to be a little difficult. The slats were set apart to prevent fingers from getting caught between them. cheap cots is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, however the durability and function make it worth the investment.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when buying a cot-bed. It is essential to choose a cot bed that is both practical and attractive.
recommended you read is the best bed for design-lovers. Its modern, sleek take on the classic sleigh design isn't as bulky that these types of cots can provide. It also doesn't skimp on storage space, and comes with an open drawer that can be placed under the cot, plus teething rails that can be affixed to the side of the. Our mom test subject found it to be robust and durable, with the ability to adjust the height of the base three times, which allows the bed to grow with your child.
Alternately you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with a stylish panel design that would suit any nursery. It is 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's also one of the only cot beds we tested to have draw, a hanging rail and teething rails. Additionally, its solid pine construction makes it a good option for parents who want their cot to stand the test of time.
Another option that has a stylish panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of color options to fit your nursery decor. The storage drawer was especially useful for bedding and clothing. Our mum testers were awed by the features. It's also one of the easiest cot beds to build, with all pieces being clearly labelled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great option for those with little space since it can be rolled up and then collapsed. It can be used with an ordinary cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit that permits it to be used up until your child is 10 years old. of age.
Convertability
When you're a new parent, there are plenty of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important things to think about is a top-quality crib bed. You want it to last for as long as you can and grow with your child so they can have a safe bed to sleep in.
While the majority of cots can be made into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit, some cots are made to go further than this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top pick. It converts into an infant (L207cm, W147cm, H90cm) as well as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and sofa (L234cm, W145cm, and H70cm). This makes it our most durable choice that will last from birth through childhood.
It's a little more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tested, but its premium design and feel will look great in any nursery. Our parent testers were really impressed with how easy it was to put together and construct but they did say that the instructions could be more clear. This isn't a big issue, however, as it was incredibly simple and took less than thirty minutes to complete.
Another impressive feature of this cot is that it comes with four mattress base heights, which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This gives you the flexibility to adjust it as your child grows because they might require a lower or higher base level depending on their age and abilities. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip that runs along the top to guard it from being bitten.
The cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was particularly impressed by the grey finish. It's not cheap, but it offers an excellent value, because it will last until they reach toddlerhood and beyond. Additionally, it comes with a one-year warranty, so you have confidence that it's durable and long-lasting. The only thing you'll have to purchase an additional mattress, which is not included.