How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The best cot bed is a must-have for any baby. We've put together this guide to help you find the ideal bed for your little one.
A premium option that is perfect for Scandi-style nurseries. It's a sturdy and long-lasting choice that can grow with your child, offering three mattress height options and the option of removing the sides for a sleek bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When it comes to cots, there's a cot to fit every budget and every nursery. There are a myriad of options that offer different levels of durability, with some converting into toddler beds that can be used throughout the preschool years and beyond. Of course, the ones which convert into beds tend to be more expensive but the extra investment can really pay off when you're looking for a cot that will last for a long time instead of just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall award. Its stunning aesthetics and simple to assemble design make it a great option for those looking for a high-quality cot that will last for a long time. similar web page and warm finish will look great in the Scandi nursery. This cot bed comes with a drawer that mum tester Katrina thought was a better choice than some less expensive cots that have an integrated drawer. It also has an anti-bite strip on the top rails of the cot to prevent your child's teeth from getting stuck. The cot bed isn't inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key to set up.
The Elementary cot is a more affordable option that will provide your baby a good night's sleep. It's part of the Anyday range by John Lewis. The easy design and simple assembly were well-loved by our parents who tested it. 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 of a camping chair. It's not the best choice for camping in the car but it's perfect for those living in apartments or who don't need to move their cot around too often.
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 child until they're about four years old, and our dad tester liked the fact it converted to an unassuming toddler bed, and also created the feeling of a cocoon with its 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. Look for a sturdy design with safety bars or sides, and a solid foundation so that your child is unable to climb out. Some cot beds come with extra features like teething rails and under-bed drawers that can help you keep things organised while your baby is growing.
The Boori cot is constructed of sustainable Australian Araucaria wood and New Zealand Radiata, so you can be sure of the purchase. It can be converted from a cot into a toddler bed by leaving three sides open to ensure safety. There's also an extension kit that will take it up to a larger bed when your child's ready.
This stylish but simple cot is a great option for those on a limited budget. It's easy to assemble and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings, so you can adjust the height as your child grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattresses and is a great purchase for the price.
This is a fantastic option when you're in search of a high-end cot. It comes with four mattress base positions in cot mode, and will last until your baby is around three years old. It can also be folded and has wheels that lock, making it a great option to move it from one room to another.
This cot is light at just 6kg, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around in. It's also very sturdy, with a strong frame that can handle noisy toddlers. The instructions were well-written and clear, however our testers found the assembly to be a bit difficult. They were impressed by the fact that the slats are spaced sufficiently apart to avoid fingers from getting caught between them. infant cot bed is also more expensive than other cots we have reviewed, but the quality and durability make it a worthwhile investment.
Design
It's easy to overlook the design when purchasing a cot-bed. The crib of your baby will be in use for a long time, so it's essential to find one that you enjoy as well as is practical and useful.
The classic ickle bubba Bed is the perfect cot bed for design lovers with its sleek, modern take on a traditional sleigh design that doesn't have the bulky feeling that these types of beds can often feature. It has plenty of storage space such as the drawer that is built into the cot, as well as teething rails on the side. It was sturdy and durable. The three-position height of the base lets it grow with your child.
If you prefer, the Modena cot bed from Tutti Bambini offers excellent value for money. It also has an elegant panel design that is perfect for any nursery. It's made to last until your child reaches six years old, before transforming first into a junior bed and later to a chic sofa bed. It is also one of only a few cot beds that we tested with the option of a drawer and a rail for teething and a hanging rail.
Another option with a smart panelled design is the Stokke Sleepie Cot Bed, that is available in a variety of colors to match the decor of your nursery. The storage drawer was particularly useful for bedding and clothes. Our mom testers were impressed with its features. It's also the easiest cot bed to assemble. The components are clearly labeled and the instructions are simple to follow. It's also a great choice for those with limited space, as it can be folded down and then flat-packed. It takes the standard cot mattress (140cm x 70cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood with an extension kit allowing it to be used until your child is 10 years of age.
Convertibility
If you're a newly-wed there are a lot of baby must-haves to consider. One of the most important things to think about is a top-quality cot bed. You want it to last for as long as possible and grow with your child, ensuring they can have a safe bed to sleep in.
Although most cots can be transformed into toddler beds by the purchase of a conversion kit certain cots are designed to go beyond this. Our preferred choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which transforms into a toddler bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a sofa and daybed (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This is the longest-lasting option on our list, since it is designed to last through childhood to.
It's more expensive than some of the other cot-beds we tried however its superior appearance and feel can be found in any nursery. Our parent testers were really impressed with how easy it was to put together and construct but they did say that the instructions could be clearer. This is a minor fault however, as it was still very simple and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
This cot comes with four mattress base heights. This is an upgrade from the three most popular options. This lets you adjust the cot as your child grows. They may require an upper or lower base level, based on their age and capabilities. It also comes with teething rails and a plastic strip along the top to guard it from biting.
This cot is available in a variety of Scandi-inspired finishes, and our dad tester was particularly keen on the grey finish. It is not cheap but it's a great value because it will last your child through toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with an assurance of one year so you can be confident that it will last. The only thing that you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.