How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for every baby. So we've put together this guide to help you locate the perfect bed for your baby.
A high-quality bed that is perfect for Scandi-style nurseries. This sturdy and durable option can expand with your baby, with three mattress positions and the ability to take the sides off to create a stylish 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 options with different lifespans, some of which can be transformed into toddler beds to be used into the preschool years or even beyond. Obviously, the ones that convert into a bed do tend to be more expensive, but the cost can be well-repaid if you want a cot that will last for many years, not just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious aesthetics and simple to assemble design make it an ideal choice for parents looking for a high-quality cot that will last a lifetime. infant cot bed for parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. The cot bed has a drawer that mum tester Katrina thought was more suitable than cheaper cots with a drawer built in. It also has an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting stuck. This cot bed isn't cheap, and requires an Allen key for setup.
A less expensive option that still gives your baby a comfy night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parent testers were impressed by the simplicity of the design and quick, straightforward assembly. The cot can be folded down and stored easily since it can fit into bags that are similar to the one used to store the camping chair. It's not the best choice for car camping, but should be fine for those living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot around too often.
We recommend the SnuzKot as another cot for under $100, particularly if it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will expand with your child until they reach around four years old. Our father tester liked that it could be converted into a minimalist-looking toddler bed, and created an atmosphere of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but will also feel sturdy and secure. Look for a robust design that has safety bars or sides, as well as a solid base that your child can't easily climb out. Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails or drawers for under-bed storage that can aid in keeping your baby organized as your baby develops.
Parent test participant Becki says that her Boori cot "has been through three children and is still stunning." Its traditional style is suitable for all homes and it's made from sustainable sources of Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you'll feel comfortable about the purchase. It can be transformed from a cot to a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for security. There is also an extension kit that can transform it to a larger bed when your child is ready.
This elegant and simple cot is a great choice for those on a limited budget. It is easy to assemble with clearly marked components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress height settings so you can alter the height as your baby grows. It fits most standard cot mattress and is a great purchase for the price.
This is a great choice If you're looking for an expensive cot. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It can last until your child are around three years old. It folds up and has wheels that lock, making it a great option to move it from one room to another.
This cot is light at only 6kg and comes with a handy bag for travel. It's also extremely sturdy and has a sturdy frame that can handle noisy toddlers. Our test subjects found it a little difficult to put together, but the instructions were well-written and clear. The slats were set apart to keep fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed but the durability and functionality are worth the cost.
Design
It's easy to overlook the style when you are buying a cot bed. It's crucial to select a cot that is both practical and attractive.
The icklebubba Snowdon Classic Cot bed is the ideal cot for design lovers. Its sleek, modern version of the classic sleigh style doesn't have that bulky feeling that these types can have. It also offers storage space, and comes with an extra drawer that slides under the cot, and teething rails that can be attached to the side. Our mom tester found it to be sturdy and robust and has a three-position base height that allows the bed to grow with your child.
The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in a panelled design that will suit any nursery. It's designed to last until they reach the age of six older. It converts into a junior mattress and then into an elegant sofa bed. It's also among the only a handful of cot beds that we have tested with a drawer and a rail for teething and a hanging rail.
Another option that has a stylish panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, which comes in a variety of color options to fit the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer is useful for bedding and clothing. Our mom testers were awed by the features. It's also one of the easiest cot beds to assemble, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and easy to follow instructions. It is also an excellent option for those with limited space as it can be folded flat and then collapsed. It uses a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for babies through toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used until 10 years old.
Convertibility
If you're a newly-wed there are a myriad of baby essentials to think about. One of the most important things to consider is a high-quality crib bed. You want it to last as long as you can and evolve with your child, so that they have a secure bed to sleep in.
Some cots are designed to be more than a toddler bed. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which converts into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability that will last your child from birth to the time of their childhood.
It's more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tested however its superior appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. Our parents were amazed by how easy it was to put together and construct however they did mention that the instructions could be more clear. This isn't a major issue, though, considering it was still a simple task and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot has four different mattress base heights. This is an upgrade from the three most popular options. This allows you to alter the height of the cot as your child grows. They might require an upper or lower base level depending on their age and abilities. It also comes with useful teething rails and a strip on the top to protect it from biting.
The grey finish was the preferred of our dad's testers. It's not cheap however it offers great value for money as it will last your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. It's also covered by one-year warranty, to ensure that it will last. The only thing you'll need to purchase an additional mattress, which is not included.