How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is a essential item for any baby. So we've put together this guide to help you locate the perfect bed for your little one.
This high-end option works perfectly to be used in Scandi style nurseries. This sturdy and durable option can grow with your baby, with three mattress positions, and the ability to remove the sides to create a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's something to suit every budget and every nursery. There are a myriad of options with different amounts of longevity and some convert into toddler beds to be used into the age of preschool and beyond. Naturally, those which convert into beds tend to be more expensive but the extra cost can be well-repaid when you're looking for an item that lasts for many years, not just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner, with its luxurious aesthetic and easy-to-assemble design making it a great choice for parents looking for a top quality cot that will stand up to the years. The minimalist design and warm finish will look great in the Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with an adjustable drawer that mom tester Katrina thought was an excellent alternative to cheaper cots which have an integrated drawer. It also comes with an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to stop your child's teeth from getting stuck. The cot bed isn't 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 cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. The easy design and simple assembly were highly praised by our testers' parents. The cot is compact when folded and can be tucked and easily tucked away into a carry bag that's the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's not the best choice for camping in the car, but should be fine for those living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot around too often.
The SnuzKot is an additional affordable cot that we suggest particularly if you decide to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until about four years old, and our dad tester liked the fact that it was able to transform into a minimal-looking toddler bed, and also created an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is of good quality must not only meet strict UK safety standards, but also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Choose a sturdy design that has safety bars or sides and an erect base to ensure that your child is unable to easily get out. Some cots include extra features such as teething rails, or drawers under the bed that will 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 feel confident about the purchase. It can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for safety. There's also an extension kit available which can convert it to a full-sized bed once your child's ready.
This stylish but simple cot is an excellent choice for those with a tight budget. It's easy to assemble, with clearly labelled parts and clear instructions. It has three height settings for the mattress so that you can adjust it as your baby grows. It fits most standard cot mattresses and is an excellent buy for the price.
If you're looking for a top cot, this is a great option. It can be used as a cot, and comes with four mattress positions. It will keep your baby safe until they are around three years old. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it portable for moving it from room to.
The cot is extremely light at just 6kg, and comes with a convenient bag for traveling. It's also extremely sturdy, with a strong frame that can withstand boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a little difficult. The slats were placed far enough apart to keep fingers from getting caught between them. It's also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, however the durability and function are worth the cost.
Design
It's easy to overlook the style when buying a cot-bed. It's important that you choose a cot that is both functional and beautiful.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the best 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 beds often feature. It's packed with space-saving storage and storage options, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot, as well as teething rails on the side. Our mum tested it and found it robust and durable, with the ability to adjust the height of the base three times, which allows the bed to grow with your child.
Alternatively you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money and comes with a stylish panel design that will look great in any nursery. It is designed to last your child until they reach six years old. old. such a good point into a junior mattress, and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It is also one of only a few cot beds that we tested with an apex drawer, a teething rail, and a hanging rail.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that comes with a panelled design. It is available in a variety of colours to match your nursery decor. Our mom testers loved its nifty features, with the drawer for storage being particularly useful to store bedding and clothes. It's also one of the most simple cot beds to put together, with all the pieces clearly labeled and with easy-to-follow instructions. It is also an excellent alternative for those with limited space because it can be folded flat and rolled down. It can be used with a standard 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 of age.
Convertibility
If you're a newly-wed there are a lot of essential items for babies to consider. One of the most important is a quality cot bed - you need something that will last as long as possible and grow with your child to give them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.
While most cots can be converted into toddler beds with the purchase of a conversion kit certain cots are designed to go further than this. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which can be converted into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, because it is designed to last through from birth to childhood.
It's a little more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tried, but its premium appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. The instructions could have been more precise, but our parent testers were impressed by how easy it was for them to build and set up. This is a minor fault however, as it was incredibly simple and took just 30 minutes to complete.
Another unique aspect of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress base heights that are an improvement on the three standard options. This lets you adjust the cot as your child grows. They may require a lower or higher base level, based on their age and capabilities. It includes teething rails which are helpful and a plastic strip at the top to prevent it from being bit.
This cot comes in a variety of Scandi-inspired colors and our dad tester was especially impressed by the grey finish. It's not cheap, but it's a an excellent value, since it will last through the age of toddler and beyond. Plus, it's covered by one-year warranties and gives you peace of mind that it's durable and long-lasting. The only thing that you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.