How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is an absolute must-have for every baby. This guide has been created to help you choose the right bed for your baby.
A premium option that is perfect for Scandi-style nurseries. It's a durable and sturdy choice that can grow with your child, with three mattress height positions as well as the ability to remove the sides for a stylish bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
There's a cot that fits every nursery and budget. There are a myriad of options that provide various levels of longevity and some convert into toddler beds for use into the preschool years and beyond. The ones that can be turned into beds are more expensive, but they last longer.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley was our overall winner due to its stunning design and easy-to-assemble design, making it an excellent choice for those who want a top quality crib that can stand the test of time. Our 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 believed was a better choice than some cheaper cots with a drawer built-in. It also comes with an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. However, at cots to tots with a mattress that is sold separately this cot isn't cheap and it requires an Allen key to make it functional.
The Elementary cot is a more affordable option that can give your baby a good night's sleep. It's part of the Anyday collection by John Lewis. The basic design and easy assembly were well-loved by our testers' parents. The cot is foldable down and stored easily since it can fit into bags similar to the one used to store a camping chair. It's a little light which means it might not be suitable for camping in the car, however it's suitable for apartment living or for those who don't intend to move their cot too much.
We suggest the SnuzKot as an alternative to a cot that is budget-friendly, particularly when it comes with the toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It will grow with your baby until they reach four years old. Our father tester liked the possibility of converting it into a minimalist-looking toddler bed, and also create the feeling of a cocoon by putting up a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is well-designed will not only be in compliance with UK safety standards, but also feel solid and secure. Choose a sturdy design with bars of safety or sides and a solid foundation so that your baby cannot easily move out. Some cot beds have additional features, such as teething rails and under-bed drawers which can help organize your life while your baby is growing.
The Boori cot is constructed of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in your purchase. It converts from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides open to provide reassurance) and comes with an option for an extension kit that takes it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This elegant and simple cot is a great option for those on a limited budget. It's easy to assemble, with clearly labelled parts and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress options, so you can adjust the height as your child grows. It fits most standard cot mattresses and is a great buy for the price.
If you're looking to buy a high-end cot, this one is a great option. It offers four mattress base positions in cot mode and will last until your baby is three years old. It folds flat and has locks on the wheels, making it very portable if you need to move it from room to room.
The cot comes with a handy travel bag and is one of the smallest cots we've test at 6kg. It's also extremely durable and has a strong frame that can handle noisy toddlers. Our testers found it a bit tricky to put together, but the instructions were clear and well-written. The slats were set apart to keep fingers from getting caught between them. It's also a little more expensive than the other cots we reviewed but it's well worth the cost for its longevity and practicality.
Design
When you are buying a cot bed, it's easy to be engrossed in the spec and safety features, but don't forget the design. It's crucial to select a cot bed that is both practical and attractive.
The icklebubba Classic Cot bed is the best cot for design lovers. Its modern, sleek take on the traditional sleigh style isn't as bulky that these types can have. It has plenty of storage space and storage options, including the drawer that is built into the cot and teething rails on the side. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your baby.
The Modena cot-bed from Tutti Bambini is a great value for money and comes in a panelled design that will fit in with any nursery. It is designed to last until they are six years older. It transforms into a junior mattress and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It's also among the only cot beds we've tested with an opening, a hanging rail and teething rails. Additionally, cots to tots makes it a good option for parents who want their cot bed to stand the test of time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that has an elegant panel design. It is available in a range of colors to complement your nursery's decor. Our mom testers loved its nifty features and the storage drawer particularly useful to store bedding and clothes. It's also one of the easiest cot beds for parents to put together, with all the pieces being clearly labelled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great alternative for those with limited space as it can be rolled up and rolled down. It's a standard cot mattress (140cm by 70cm) and is suitable for babies to toddlerhood. A kit for extension allows it to be used up to 10 years of age.
Convertibility
When you're a new parent there are a myriad of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important is a good quality cot bed - you want something that will last as long as possible and grow with your child to provide them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a bed for children. The Boori Eton Cot Bed is our top choice. It can be converted into an infant (L207cm, W147cm H90cm) as well as the daybed (L234cm, W145cm and H70cm) and a sofa (L234cm, W145cm, and H70cm). This makes it our most durable pick that will last from birth until the age of.
It's a bit more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tried however, its high-end look and feel will fit in any nursery. The instructions could be more simple, but our parents testers were awed by the ease with which it was for to construct and install. This isn't a big issue however, as it was still a simple task and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another great feature of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress base heights that are an improvement on the three most common options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child develops. They may require a lower or higher base level, based on their age and capabilities. It also comes with teething rails and a plastic strip that runs along the top to shield it from biting.
This cot comes in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes and our dad tester was especially attracted by the grey-colored finish. It's not expensive however it offers excellent value for money since it will see your child through to toddlerhood and beyond. Plus, it's covered by a one-year warranty and gives you assurance that it will be sturdy and long-lasting. The only thing that you'll need to buy separately is the mattress.