How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a must-have for every baby. So we've put together this guide to help you choose the ideal bed for your baby.
A premium option that is perfect for Scandi-style nursery rooms. It's a sturdy and durable option that grows with your child, with three mattress height positions and the ability to remove the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There is a cot for every nursery and budget. There's also a variety of options with different amounts of longevity and some convert into toddler beds to be used into the preschool years and beyond. Naturally, those that convert into beds are generally more expensive, but the investment could be worth it in the event that you need an item that lasts for years rather than just a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner due to its luxurious aesthetic and easy-to-assemble design making it a great option for parents who want an excellent cot that will stand the years. This model's minimalist design and warm finish will look great in a Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a drawer that mum tester Katrina thought was an excellent alternative to cheaper cots with an integrated drawer. 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 bed isn't cheap, and it does require an Allen key to get it up and running.
A more budget-friendly option that still gives your baby a comfy night's sleep is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. The basic design and easy assembly were praised by our parent testers. The cot is compact when folded and can be stored easily, fitting into a bag that's about the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's not ideal for camping in the car, but should be fine for apartment life or those who don't need to move their cot too much.
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 child until they're approximately four years old and our dad tester loved the fact that it can be converted into a minimalist toddler bed and created the feeling of a cocoon with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy is not just required to meet the strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and secure. Look for a robust design with safety bars or sides and a solid base that your child can't easily climb out. Some cots include extra features like teething rails or drawers for under-bed storage which can aid in keeping your baby organized as your baby develops.
Parent tester Becki says that her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and is still beautiful." Its classic design is suitable for all homes and is made from sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about the purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides unlocked for security. There is also an extension kit that will take it up to a full-sized bed when your child's ready.
This stylish but simple cot is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. It's easy to set up and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to alter the height as your child grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattresses and is an excellent buy for the price.
This is a great choice when you're in search of an expensive cot. It offers four mattress base positions when in the cot position and will last until your baby is three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it a great option to move it from one room to the next.
The cot is extremely light at just 6kg, and comes with a great bag for traveling. It's also extremely sturdy and has a sturdy frame that can withstand the raging toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, however our testers found the assembly a bit difficult. The slats were placed far enough apart to avoid fingers getting trapped between them. It's also a little more expensive than the other cots we reviewed but it's well worth the investment for its durability and functionality.
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 classic ickle bubba Bed is the ideal cot bed for design lovers with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these beds usually feature. It also has plenty of storage space and features an open drawer that can be placed under the cot, plus teething rails that can be connected to the side. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base allows it to expand with your baby.
The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes with a panelled design that will be suitable for any nursery. It is designed to last until they reach the age of six older. It can be converted into a junior mattress and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also one of the cot beds that we tested that has draw with a hanging rail as well as teething rails. Additionally, its solid pine construction makes it an excellent choice for parents who want their cot bed to endure the test of time.
Another option with a sleek panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of color options to fit your nursery decor. The storage drawer was especially useful for bedding and clothing. Our mom testers were impressed by the features. It's also one of the easiest cot beds to assemble, with all the pieces clearly labeled and with easy-to-follow instructions. It's also a great option for those with limited space as it can be flat-packed and 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 allows it to be used until your child turns 10 years old. of age.
Convertability
There are a lot of baby essentials you need to think about as you become a new parent. 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 evolve with your child, ensuring they can have a safe bed to sleep in.
While most cots can be transformed into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit some cot beds are designed to go further than this. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted to a toddler (L207cm, W147cm, H90cm) and it can also be used as a daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm), and a sofa (L234cm, W145cm, and H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, because it should see your child through childhood to.
It's a little more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tested, but its premium appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. The instructions could have been more precise, but our parent testers were awed by how easy it was for to construct and install. This is not a major issue however, since it was still a breeze and took just 30 minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four mattress base heights. This is an improvement over the three standard options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child grows. They may require a lower or higher base level based on their age and abilities. It also comes with useful teething rails and a plastic strip that runs along the top to protect it from being bitten.
This cot comes in several different Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was especially attracted by the grey-colored finish. cheap cot beds 's not expensive however it offers an excellent value for money, as it will see your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. It also comes with one-year warranty, so you can be sure it will last. The only thing that you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.