How to Choose the Best Cot Bed
The most comfortable cot bed is a must-have for any baby. This guide will assist you in choosing the right cot for your baby.
This high-end option works perfectly to be used in Scandi style nursery. It's a sturdy and long-lasting option that will grow with your child, with three mattress height options and the ability to remove the sides to create a chic bench-style toddler bed.
Budget
When you think of cots, there's a cot to fit every budget and every nursery. There are a myriad of options with different lifespans and some of them can be transformed into toddler beds to be used throughout the age of preschool or beyond. Of course, the ones that convert into beds tend to be more expensive but the extra investment could be worth it in the event that you need a cot that lasts for years rather than just for a few months.
The Mamas & Papas Coxley won our overall prize. Its luxurious design and easy to assemble makes it a fantastic choice for those who want a high-quality cot that will last a lifetime. Our parent testers appreciated the sleek design and warm oak finish of this model, which looks stunning in a Scandi-style nursery. The cot bed also has a drawer, which mum tester Katrina thought was a better option than some cheaper cots that have an inbuilt drawer, and an anti-bite plastic strip on the top of the rails of the cot to prevent your child from getting their teeth stuck in the bars. This cot bed isn't inexpensive, and it requires an Allen key for setup.
A more affordable option that still gives your baby a good night's rest is the Elementary cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. Our parents liked the simple design and easy assembly. The cot is small when folded and can be tucked easily, fitting into a carry bag that's as big as the carry case of a camping chair. It's not ideal for camping in the car, but should be fine for apartment life or those who won't be moving their cot a lot.
The SnuzKot is an additional affordable cot that we suggest, especially if you choose to purchase the toddler kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It will expand with your child until approximately four years old and our dad tester loved the fact it converted to a minimalist toddler bed and gave a cocoon-like feeling by incorporating a fabric canopy.
Safety
A good cot 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 is not able to move out. Some cots include extra features like teething rails or under-bed storage drawers which can aid you in staying organized as your baby grows.
Parent test subject Becki says her Boori cot "has lasted through 3 children and is still stunning." Its traditional design is suitable for all homes and is made from sustainably-sourced Australian Araucaria and New Zealand Radiata wood, so you can feel good about your purchase. It can be converted from a cot to a toddler bed (leaving three sides up to provide reassurance) and comes with an option to add an extension kit to take it all the way to a double bed when your child is ready.
This stylish and simple cot is a great choice for those on a tight budget. It's easy to set up and has clearly labeled components and clear instructions. It has three mattress settings that allow you to alter the height as your baby grows. It is compatible with most cots with a standard mattresses and is an excellent buy for the price.
This is a great choice if you are looking for an extremely high-end cot. It has an impressive four mattress base positions when in cot mode, and will last until your child is around three years old. It also can be folded flat and has locking wheels, making it extremely portable if you need to move it from room to room.
This cot is light at just 6kg, and comes with a convenient bag for travel. It is also very robust with an extremely sturdy frame that can be able to withstand the rigors of toddlers. Our test subjects found it a bit tricky to put together, however the instructions were clear and well-written. They noted that the slats are 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 however, it's worth the cost for its durability and functionality.
Design
When buying a cot bed it's easy to be engrossed in the specifications and safety features, but don't forget the style. Your baby's cot will be used for a long period of time, so it's important to find one you like and is also practical and functional.
The ickle bubba Snowdon Classic Bed is the perfect bed for those who love design with its sleek contemporary take on a traditional sleigh design that does not have the bulky look that these types of beds can often come with. helpful resources doesn't skimp on storage space, and comes with an extra drawer that slides under the cot, and teething rails that can be attached to the side. Our mom test subject found it sturdy and robust with a three-position base height that allows the bed to grow with your child.
The Modena cot-bed by Tutti Bambini is a great value and comes in a panelled design that can be suitable for any nursery. It's designed to last until they are six years older. It converts into a junior mattress and it transforms into a stylish sofa bed. It's also among the few cot beds we tested that has draw, a hanging rail and teething rails, while its solid pine construction makes it an excellent choice for parents who want their cot bed to endure the test of time.
Another option with a sleek 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 particularly useful for bedding and clothes. Our mum testers were impressed with its features. It's also among the easiest cot beds to build, with all pieces clearly labeled and easy to understand instructions. It's also a great choice for those who have a limited space as it can be collapsed and then flat-packed. It fits a standard cot mattress (140cm 70cm x 140cm) and is suitable from birth to toddlerhood, with an extension kit that permits it to be used until your child turns 10 years old. of age.
Convertability
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 grow with your child to give them a secure and comfortable place to sleep.
Some cots are designed to be more than just a toddler bed. Our top choice is the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Bed, which can be converted into an infant bed (L207cm x W147cm x H90cm), as well as a daybed and sofa (L234cm x W145cm and H70cm). This makes it our top choice for durability, as it will last from birth until the time of their childhood.
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. The instructions could have been more precise, but our parent test subjects were impressed with the ease with which it was for to construct and set up. This isn't a big issue however, as it was still very straightforward and took less than 30 minutes to complete.
Another great feature of this cot is that it comes with four mattress base heights, which is an upgrade on the three standard options. This allows you to adjust the cot as your child grows. They may require a higher or lower base level, based on their age and ability. It also comes with useful teething rails as well as a plastic strip along the top to guard it from biting.
The grey finish was the preferred of our dad's testers. It's not cheap however it offers excellent value for money since it will last your child through to toddlerhood and beyond. It also comes with a 1-year warranty to ensure that it will last. The only thing that you'll need to purchase separately is the mattress.