How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
With so many baby essentials to consider, a top cot bed is among the most important purchases. So we've put together this guide to help you find the perfect choice for your little one.
This high-end option works perfectly to be used in Scandi style nurseries. This sturdy and durable option can expand 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's also a variety of options that offer different levels of durability, with some converting into toddler beds for use through the age of preschool and beyond. Naturally, those that convert into a bed are generally more expensive, but the cost can be well-repaid if you want a cot that will last for a long time instead of just a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its gorgeous aesthetics and easy-to assemble design make it a great option for those looking for a high-quality cot that will last for a lifetime. Our parents liked the minimalist design and warm oak finish of this model, which will look amazing in a modern-style Scandi nursery. This cot bed has a handy drawer, which mum tester Katrina found to be superior to cheaper cots that have an inbuilt drawer, and a plastic strip that prevents bites on the top of the cot rails to guard your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. However, at PS599 with a mattress sold separately the crib isn't cheap. It does require an Allen key to make it functional.
A more budget-friendly option that will still give your baby a good night's rest is the cot that's Elementary from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parent testers liked the simple design and easy assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be stored away easily too, fitting into a bag that's about the size of the carry case for a camp chair. best crib for newborn 's not the best choice for camping in the car, but should be fine for those living in apartments or who won't be moving their cot a lot.
The SnuzKot is another good affordable cot that we suggest particularly if you decide to opt for the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until they're approximately four years old and our dad tester liked the fact that it was able to transform into a minimal-looking toddler bed and gave an ambiance of cocoons with its fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is well-designed will not only meet UK safety standards, but will also feel sturdy and secure. Choose a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, and a solid foundation, so that your baby cannot easily move out. Some cot beds will also have additional features like teething rails and under-bed drawers that can help you organize your life as your baby is growing.
The Boori cot is made of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be sure of your purchase. It can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides open for security. There is also an extension kit that can transform it to a full-sized bed when your child is ready.
This elegant and simple cot is an excellent choice for those on a limited budget. It's easy to set up and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress height settings so you can adjust it as your baby grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattress and is a great purchase for the price.
If you're looking for a premium cot, this is a great choice. It comes with four mattress positions in the cot position and will last until your baby is about three years old. It is also foldable and has wheels that lock, making it easy for moving it from room to.
This cot comes with convenient travel bag and is one of the smallest cots we've tested at 6kg. It's also extremely durable, with a strong frame that can handle boisterous toddlers. The instructions were well written and clear, however our testers found the assembly a little challenging. They also noted that the slats are spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting caught in between them. It's also more expensive than some of the other cots that we looked at but it's well worth the cost for its longevity and practicality.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to get caught up in the specs and safety features, but don't forget the style. The cot you choose for your baby will be in use for a long time so it's important to find one you like and also is functional and practical.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the perfect cot bed for design lovers with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feel that these types of beds often feature. It's packed with storage space and storage options, including an under-bed drawer that can be tucked away beneath the cot and teething rails on the sides. Our mum tester found it to be robust and durable and has the ability to adjust the height of the base three times, which allows the bed to expand with your child.
Alternatively you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a stylish panel design that is perfect for any nursery. It's designed to last until they reach the age of six older. It can be converted into a junior mattress and transforms into a chic sofa bed. It's also one of the few cot beds we tested that has an opening with a hanging rail as well as teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it an excellent option for parents who want their cot to last for a long time.
The Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed is another option that comes with an elegant panel design. It is available in a variety of colours to complement your nursery's decor. Our mum testers loved its clever features including the storage drawer being especially useful for storing bedding and clothing. It's also the easiest cot bed to put together. The pieces are clearly labeled and the instructions are easy to follow. It's also a great choice for those with limited space, since it can be folded down and flat-packed. It is made of a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for children from birth through toddlerhood. A kit for extension allows it to be used until 10 years old.
Convertability
There are a variety of baby necessities you need to think about as you become a new parent. But one of the most important is a good quality cot bed - you need something that will last as long as possible and will change with your child to provide them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.
Although most cots can be transformed into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit, some cots are made to go beyond this. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed, which can be converted into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and also a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability, as it will last your child from birth to childhood.
It's not cheap when compared to other cot beds that we test, but it comes with an elegant design and feel that will suit any nursery. Our parents who tested it were 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 but it was still a simple task and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another unique feature of this cot is the fact that it has four mattress base heights, which is an upgrade on the three most common options. This lets you adjust the cot as your child grows. They may require a higher or lower base level based on their age and capabilities. It comes with teething rails that can be useful and a plastic strip at the top to keep it from becoming a bit.
The grey finish was the preferred of our dad tester. It's not expensive but it's an excellent value for money, as it will last your child through to the age of toddler and beyond. Additionally, it comes with an one-year guarantee 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.