How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for any baby. This guide has been created to assist you in choosing the right cot for your baby.
A premium option that will look great in Scandi-style nursery rooms. It's a durable and sturdy option that will grow with your child. It has three mattress height positions and the ability to remove the sides for a sleek 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 choices that come with different durations, some of which can be converted into toddler beds to be used into the preschool years or beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into a bed tend to be more expensive, but the investment can really pay off when you're looking for a cot that lasts for years rather than just the duration of a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its gorgeous design and easy to assemble make it an ideal choice for parents looking for an upscale cot that can last for a long time. Our testers for parents appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which would look stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. The cot bed has an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina thought was a better choice than some cheaper cots with a drawer built-in. It also has an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to prevent your child's teeth from getting caught. But at PS599 with a mattress that is sold separately this cot isn't cheap and it requires an Allen key to start it up.
A more budget-friendly option that still gives your baby a comfy night's rest is the cot that's Elementary 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 bags that are similar to the one used for a camping chair. It's a little lighter than the average cot and therefore may not be ideal for camping in the car, however it's suitable for living in an apartment or for those who don't plan to move their cot around too much.
We recommend the SnuzKot as another budget-friendly cot, especially when it comes with a toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until about four years old, and our dad testers loved the fact it converted to an unassuming toddler bed, and also created the feeling of a cocoon by incorporating a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is well-designed will not only meet UK safety standards but also feel solid and secure. Find a sturdy style with safety bars or sides, and a solid base so that your baby cannot easily move out. Some cots come with extra features such as teething rails, under-bed drawers and even a crib that can help you organize your life while your baby is growing.
Parent test subject Becki says that her Boori cot "has been through three children and is still beautiful." Its classic design will suit most homes and is made from sustainably sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, which means you can feel confident about your purchase. It can be transformed from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for security. There is an extension kit available that will take it up to a full-sized bed when your child is ready.
This simple but stylish cot is a great option when you're on a tight budget. It's simple to put together and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It has three mattress height settings so you can adjust it as your baby grows. crib sets fits most standard cot mattress and is a great buy for the price.
If you're looking for a premium cot, this is a great choice. It comes with four mattress base positions when in cot mode, and will last until your baby is around three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it easy to move it from one room to the next.
This cot is lightweight at just 6kg and comes with a great bag for travel. It's also extremely robust, with a sturdy frame that will be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. Our testers found it a little difficult to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to prevent fingers from getting stuck between them. It's also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, however the quality and durability are worth the cost.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when buying a cot-bed. It's crucial to select a cot bed that is both practical and attractive.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the perfect bed for those who appreciate design, with its sleek modern take on a traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these types of beds can often have. 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 sides. Our mom tested it and found it to be robust and durable with a three-position base height that allows the bed to grow with your child.
Alternatively, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and has a stylish panel design that will look great in any nursery. It's designed to last until your child reaches six years old, and then it transforms first into a junior bed, and then into a stylish sofa bed. It's also among the cot beds that we tested that has draw with a hanging rail as well as teething rails. Its solid pine construction makes it a great option for parents who want their cot to endure the test of time.
Another option with a sleek panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which is available in several color options to fit the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was particularly useful for bedding and clothing. Our mom testers were impressed by its features. It is also one of the most simple cot beds to assemble. The pieces are clearly labelled, and the directions are easy to follow. It's also a great choice for those who have limited space as it can be flat-packed and rolled down. It can be used with a standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit that permits it to be used up until your child turns 10 years old. older.
Convertibility
There are a variety of baby necessities you need to think about as you become a new parent. One of the most important things to think about is a top-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and evolve with your child, ensuring that they have a secure bed to sleep in.
Although most cots can be transformed to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit some cots are made to go a step further than this. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which converts into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, because it should see your child through the years from birth until childhood.
It's not cheap in comparison to other cot beds we evaluated, but it offers a premium appearance and feel that would fit in with any nursery. Our parent testers were really amazed by how easy it was to put together and construct, although they did note that the instructions could be more clear. This isn't a major issue, though, considering it was still very straightforward and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another impressive aspect of this cot is that it comes with four mattress heights for the base, which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child develops. They may need a lower or higher base level depending on their age and ability. It comes with teething rails that are useful as well as a plastic strip on the top to prevent it from being bit.
The grey finish was the preferred of our dad tester. It's not cheap however it offers excellent value for money since it will see your child through the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranties which gives you confidence that it's sturdy and durable. The only thing that you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.