How to Choose the
Best Cot BedThe best cot bed is a must-have for every baby. So we've put together this guide to help you choose the perfect bed for your little one.
This high-end option works perfectly in Scandi style nurseries. This sturdy and durable choice 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 that provide different amounts of longevity and even convert into toddler beds to be used into the preschool years and beyond. Naturally, those that convert into beds tend to be more expensive but the extra cost can be well-repaid if you want an item that lasts for a long time instead of just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its stunning design and easy to assemble make it a great option for those who want an upscale cot that can last a lifetime. 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 a better choice than some cheaper cots which have a drawer built in. It also comes with an anti-bite strip that runs along the top rails of the
cot bed sales to stop your child's teeth from getting stuck. The
cot bed isn't cheap, and requires an Allen key for setting up.
The cot for the Elementary is a more affordable option that can give your baby a peaceful night's rest. It's part of the range called Anyday by John Lewis. Our testers with parents liked the simple design and easy assembly. The cot is compact when folded and can be stored easily, fitting into a bag that's the size of a camp chair's carry case. It's not ideal for car camping, but should be fine for apartment life or those who don't need to move their cot too much.
We recommend the SnuzKot for another budget-friendly cot, especially when it comes with a toddler kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It can grow with your child until about four years old, and our dad tester liked the fact that it can be converted into an unassuming toddler bed and created a cocoon-like feeling by incorporating a fabric canopy.
Safety
A cot that is safe and sturdy must not only meet strict UK safety standards, but it should also be sturdy and comfortable to the touch. Find a sturdy style with bars of safety or sides and a solid foundation so that your baby cannot easily move out. Some cots have additional features, such as teething rails or under-bed storage drawers that will aid you in staying organized as your baby grows.
The Boori cot is made from sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be confident in your purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to provide peace of mind) and has an option of an extension kit to take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This elegant and simple cot is a great option for those with a tight budget. It's simple to put together and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It comes with three mattress settings that allow you to alter the height as your baby grows. It is compatible with most standard cot mattresses and is a great purchase for the money.
If you're looking to buy a high-end cot, this is a great choice. It offers four mattress positions in cot mode, and will last until your child is around three years old. It also folds flat and comes with lockable wheels, making it very convenient to move it from room to room.
The cot comes with a convenient travel bag and is one of the smallest cots we've tested, weighing just 6kg. It's also very sturdy, with a strong frame that can handle noisy toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, but our testers found the assembly a little difficult. The slats were spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers getting caught between them. It is also more expensive than other cots that we have reviewed, however the quality and durability make it worth the investment.
Design
It's easy to overlook the style when purchasing a cot-bed. Your baby's cot will be in use for a long period of time, therefore it's crucial to choose one you like and is also functional and practical.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Cot Bed is the perfect bed for those who love design 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 also doesn't skimp on storage space, and comes with an open drawer that can be placed under the cot, as well as teething rails that can be affixed to the side of the. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your baby.
If you prefer you can choose the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has a smart panelled look that will look great in any nursery. It's made to be used until your child is six years old, converting first into a junior bed and later into a chic sofa bed. It's also one of only a handful of cots that we've tested with a drawer as well as a teething rail and a hanging rail.
Another option with a smart panel design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of color options to fit the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was especially useful for clothing and bedding. Our mum testers were impressed by its features. It is also one of the easiest cot beds to put together. The components are clearly labelled, and the directions are easy to follow. It's also a great option for those who have a limited space, as it can be folded and then flat-packed. It is made of a standard cot-mattress (140cm by 70cm), and is suitable for children from birth to toddlerhood. An extension kit permits it to be used up to 10 years of age.
Convertibility
If you're a new parent 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 for as long as it can and will change with your child, giving them a safe and secure place to sleep.
While the majority of cots can be transformed to toddler beds through the purchase of a conversion kit certain cots are designed to go beyond this. Our top pick is the Boori Eton Convertible Bed, which transforms into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm) and a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm x H70cm). This makes it the longest-lasting selection on our list, since it is designed to last through the years from birth until childhood.
It's expensive when compared to other cot beds we evaluated, Mini Cotbed (
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Another great characteristic of this cot is that it comes with four mattress base heights which is an upgrade on the three most common options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child develops. They may need a lower or higher base level based on their age and abilities. It comes with teething rails which are helpful as well as a plastic strip on the top to keep it from becoming a bit.
The grey finish was the most popular of our dad test-driver. It's not
cheap cot beds, but it offers the best value for money as it will last into the toddler years and beyond. Plus, it's covered by a one-year warranty and gives you confidence that it's durable and long-lasting. The only thing you'll need to purchase an additional mattress, which isn't included.